COLUMBIA, Mo. – The American Midwest Conference (AMC) has announced the 2026 AMC Softball All-Conference teams, season award winners, Academic All-Conference team, and the AMC Softball Champions of Character Team. Columbia garnered a standout haul of accolades, headlined by a season award, four players named to the First Team, two to the Second Team, one to the Third Team, two on the Gold Glove Team, and 20 named to the Academic All-Conference Team.
Co-Pitcher of the Year
Ella Schouten was named AMC co-Pitcher of the Year for her dominance in the circle throughout the 2026 season. The award marks another milestone in what has been a decorated career for the Cougar ace. Schouten posted an 11-5 record with a 1.19 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP across 16 appearances and 100.1 innings pitched. She struck out 154 batters — holding opposing hitters to a .181 batting average — while issuing just 24 walks.
First Team All-Conference
Ella Schouten earned her place on the First Team in the circle. Her 154 strikeouts and 1.19 ERA made her one of the most dominant pitchers in the conference this season.
Abigail Zismer was named to the First Team after an outstanding offensive campaign. The middle infielder hit .385 across 122 at-bats, collecting 47 hits — including four doubles and two triples — to go along with a .451 slugging percentage and a .429 on-base percentage. She also went 11-for-11 on stolen base attempts.
Rosalie Schneider earned First Team honors after posting a .384 batting average in 86 at-bats. Schneider recorded 33 hits, including eight doubles, producing a slugging percentage of .477 and an on-base percentage of .411.
Taryn Hagardt rounded out the First Team selections with a .404 batting average — one of the highest marks in the conference. In 99 at-bats, Hagardt collected 40 hits and posted a .459 on-base percentage with a .444 slugging percentage, proving to be one of the most consistent offensive contributors in the lineup all season.
Second Team All-Conference
Kennedy Jensen earned Second Team honors after a strong season in the circle. Jensen went 5-3 with a 2.07 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP across 14 appearances, striking out 24 batters over 50.2 innings pitched.
Wriley Taylor was named to the Second Team after a steady season at the plate and behind it. Taylor batted .318 in 88 at-bats with 28 hits, two doubles, one triple, and 14 RBI, adding a .378 on-base percentage and going 5-for-6 on stolen base attempts. Behind the plate, Taylor posted a .987 fielding percentage with 227 putouts and nine assists across 32 games.
Third Team All-Conference
Cassidy Avery was named to the Third Team after appearing in all 36 games for the Cougars. Avery batted .282 with 29 hits, five doubles, one triple, and 12 RBI, contributing both at the plate and in the field throughout the season.
Gold Glove Team
Wriley Taylor and Kylee Page were both recognized on the AMC Gold Glove Team for their exceptional defensive performances in 2026. Taylor was nearly flawless behind the plate, posting a .987 fielding percentage with 227 putouts and nine assists in 32 games. Page was equally reliable in the field, recording 26 putouts and finishing with a .964 fielding percentage.
Champions of Character
Maddy Clancy was named to the AMC Champions of Character Team. Each AMC school selects a member of their team to receive the NAIA Champions of Character Award — the student-athlete who best exemplifies the NAIA's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Academic All-Conference
Columbia placed 20 student-athletes on the AMC Academic All-Conference Team:
