Softball | 5/15/2026 11:05:00 AM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Gannon University softball standout Emma Smerick (Ford City, Pa./Armstrong) added another postseason honor to her decorated career, earning Second Team NFCA All-Atlantic Region recognition after earning a spot on the outfield team.

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced the 2026 NFCA Division II All-Region teams today, featuring 205 student-athletes from 108 programs across the country. The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association's eight regions with First and Second Team selections.

NFCA member head coaches from each respective region nominated their student-athletes and voted for the teams, with all honorees now eligible for selection to the 2026 NFCA Division II All-America squads.

A junior from Ford City, Pa., Smerick is now a two-time NFCA All-Atlantic Region honoree after earning First Team honors last season.

Smerick was one of 26 student-athletes selected across the First and Second Teams, while Gannon was one of 10 PSAC schools represented on the 2026 NFCA All-Atlantic Region teams.

Smerick served as the Golden Knights' primary right fielder during the 2026 campaign, appearing at the position in 36 of her 38 appearances. She also served as Gannon's leadoff hitter while continuing her standout career with another dominant season.

She started all 38 games she played in and led Gannon in nearly every offensive category, posting a team-best .419 batting average with 54 hits, 43 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases while adding 28 RBI and a .659 slugging percentage.

She also led the team with 12 doubles and two triples, while setting a new program record for career stolen bases with 79. Her 24 stolen bases rank sixth in a single season at Gannon, while her .419 batting average is tied for seventh.

Smerick has also scored 144 career runs, good for fourth in program history. The regional honor adds to a postseason that already included her third straight All-PSAC West selection.

Earlier this season, Smerick was also named to the 2026 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year Watchlist. She was one of 118 student-athletes nationally selected to the watchlist and one of 15 representatives from the Atlantic Region.