Orangeburg, S.C. - Layla Smith from the Winston-Salem State University softball team has been named to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All-Second Team, the league announced Wednesday evening during the CIAA softball banquet.

Smith, a sophomore from Griffin, Georgia was named to the second team in the second base position. So far this season, Smith has a .340 batting average, has 23 runs on 32 hits, 5 doubles and 9 RBIs. Defensively, Smith has recorded 27 put-outs and 62 assists.

This year's honorees are also highlighted by CIAA Player of the Year Paige Whittington of Bluefield State University, CIAA Pitcher of the Year Sydney Seals of Bowie State University, CIAA Rookie of the Year Aaliyah Amos of Bowie State University, and CIAA Coach of the Year Chelsea Holiday of Bluefield State University. 

2026 All–CIAA First Team 
Pitcher – Sydney Seals, Bowie State University 
Catcher – Jeniah Williams, Claflin University 
First Base – Aniylah Lane, Johnson C. Smith University 
Second Base – Aniyah Jackson, Claflin University 
Third Base – Mikayla Amos, Bowie State University 
Shortstop – Sydney Jackson, Fayetteville State University 
Outfield – Paige Whittington, Bluefield State University 
Outfield – Sky Hicks, Bluefield State University 
Outfield – Lauryn Foster, Claflin University 
Designated Player – Michaela Cromarty, Claflin University 
Utility Player – Taylor Dawkins, Bowie State University 
 
2026 All–CIAA Second Team 
Pitcher – Katelynn Grissom, Claflin University 
Catcher – Janessah Nappi, Bluefield State University 
First Base – Kyla Jones, Bluefield State University 
Second Base – Layla Smith, Winston-Salem State University 
Third Base – Xztashya Porter, Fayetteville State University 
Shortstop – Amaya Corona, Bluefield State University 
Outfield – Cyndia Dobbins, Shaw University 
Outfield – Presleigh Braxton, Bowie State University 
Outfield – Coreena Dunham, Bowie State University 
Designated Player – Madison Hayes, Virginia Union University 
Utility Player – Aryana Meadows, Claflin University 
 
2026 All–Rookie Team 
Aryana Meadows, Claflin University 
Amaya Corona, Bluefield State University 
Skyy Hicks, Bluefield State University 
Imari Jordan, Shaw University 
Aaliyah Amos, Bowie State University 
Elisia Gonzalez Pettis, Virginia Union University 
Jahzira Hogan, Johnson C. Smith University 
Hailey Trujillo, Bluefield State University 
Alexis Coles, Bluefield State University 
 
The 2026 CIAA Softball Championship is set for May 7–9 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The three-day tournament will feature a double elimination format, culminating with the championship game on Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m. An additional game will be played at 4 p.m. if necessary to determine a champion.