WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University softball standout Paytyn Tucker has been named to the 2026 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II Player of the Year Watchlist, the organization announced.

Tucker, a junior outfielder, represents the Hilltoppers among an elite group of 118 student-athletes selected from across the country. She is one of 15 players recognized in the Atlantic Region and one of several standouts from the Mountain East Conference to earn a spot on the prestigious list.

The watchlist is compiled by the NFCA Division II All-American Committee, with one head coach representing each of the eight NCAA regions. Student-athletes are nominated by their head coaches, who must be NFCA members, and selections are based on performance and impact during the season.

Tucker's inclusion highlights her strong play and leadership for West Liberty throughout the 2026 campaign. She has been a key contributor in the Hilltoppers' lineup, ranking among the team leaders in nearly every offensive category. She leads the team with a .361 batting average, 30 hits, and 15 stolen bases while adding 14 runs scored and 37 total bases. Tucker also owns a .446 slugging percentage with five doubles, one triple, and 11 RBIs, starting 26 games and logging a team-high 83 at-bats.

Atlantic Region Watchlist Selections

• Blaire Balestrini – Lock Haven (IF/UT)

• Maci Boggess – Glenville State (P)

• Sarah Davenport – East Stroudsburg (P)

• Addison Mass – Charleston (P)

• Alyssa Massucci – Slippery Rock (UT)

• Jailyn Myrick – Virginia Union (UT)

• Lexi Pickett – Millersville (C)

• Kinsley Proepper – East Stroudsburg (C/IF)

• Zailees Seda – Glenville State (IF)

• Alyssa Sheely – Slippery Rock (OF)

• Emma Smerick – Gannon (OF)

• Shelby Telegdy – Seton Hill (P)

• Paytyn Tucker – West Liberty (OF)

• Paige Whittington – Bluefield State (OF/UT)

• Reagan Winn – West Virginia Wesleyan (1B/3B)

The NFCA Player of the Year and NFCA/Portolite Pitcher of the Year awards will be announced on May 27, one day prior to the start of the NCAA Division II National Championships. While the watchlist recognizes top performers to this point in the season, all student-athletes remain eligible for the final awards regardless of watchlist inclusion.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.