Heather Ebner, an infielder for Saint Martin's University, has been named to the NFCA's 2026 Division II Player of the Year watchlist. Leading the GNAC with a .493 batting average and .593 on-base percentage, she's a key player in leading the Saints to a strong 22-12 record and a seven-game winning streak. The watchlist features 118 athletes from eight NCAA regions, with significant recognition anticipated ahead of the NCAA Division II National Championships. The awards will be announced on May 27.

By the Numbers
  • Ebner leads the GNAC with a .493 batting average and .593 on-base percentage.
  • Saint Martin's has a 22-12 overall record and a 7-1 record in GNAC play, riding a seven-game winning streak.
Yes, But

While Ebner has received this prestigious recognition, it's important to note that athletes not on the watchlist are still eligible for the Player of the Year award, indicating a competitive landscape.

State of Play
  • Ebner is currently ranked second in the GNAC for slugging percentage (.795) and on-base plus slugging (1.388).
  • Saint Martin's is finding success overall, winning 15 of their last 16 games.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the focus will shift toward the upcoming announcement of the Player and Pitcher of the Year on May 27, amid continued competition within the conference.

Bottom Line

Ebner's inclusion on the NFCA watchlist underscores her remarkable season, but the ongoing success of Saint Martin's could propel her further in the conversation for top honors in NCAA Division II softball.