CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah University softball standouts Delaney Baker and Riley Nielson have been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing their combined excellence in the classroom and on the field during the 2026 campaign.
Head Coach Don Don Williams Said
"I'm thrilled to see Delaney and Riley earn CSC Academic All-District honors. They are outstanding examples of what it means to be true student-athletes, excelling with dedication and excellence both on the field and in the classroom. I'm incredibly proud of them and the standard they set for our program."
The CSC Academic All-District honor highlights student-athletes who have demonstrated strong academic achievement while maintaining high-level athletic performance throughout the season. Honorees must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and have played in at least 90 percent of the team's contests. Pitchers must have made at least 17 appearances or pitched over 35 innings during the season.
Baker, a senior pitcher from Farmington, Utah, delivered a steady presence in the circle for the Thunderbirds during her final season. She made 22 appearances and logged 68 innings in 2026, earning five wins on the year. Her season included key victories over Weber State, Maine, California Baptist, and Abilene Christian. Among her standout performances, Baker threw 5.1 innings in a win over Weber State, posted a five-inning shutout against Maine, and limited California Baptist to just one hit over three innings. She also recorded a season-high four strikeouts against UT Arlington and registered multiple strikeout outings in 11 appearances.
Nielson, a redshirt junior from Tucson, Arizona, also played a key role in the pitching staff while contributing in multiple capacities throughout her career. In 2026, she appeared in 22 games in the circle, totaling 69.1 innings pitched and earning four victories, including wins over New Mexico State, Maine, and Utah Valley. Her season highlights included a seven-inning win over New Mexico State, a nine-strikeout performance against Maine, and a strong finish in which she allowed just one hit over her final 4.2 innings against Utah Valley. She also delivered a scoreless outing against the Wolverines on May 1.
On Deck
Coach Williams and her staff have turned their attention to the offseason recruiting grind. The Thunderbirds will return an experienced lineup, with only two seniors departing this season. Stay tuned for more information on the 2027 Thunderbirds throughout the summer.
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