Six Bruins Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Honors; Johnson Named Scholar-Athlete of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Six members of the Belmont University softball team were named to the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Team, highlighted by pitcher Maya Johnson, who was named the league's Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive season. 

A total of 52 student-athletes were recognized across the conference. To be eligible, nominees must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and meet specific participation requirements. 

Johnson, who holds a 3.85 GPA while pursuing her graduate degree in nursing (3.893 undergraduate GPA), continues to excel both academically and athletically. She has appeared in 27 games this season, compiling a 25-2 record with a 0.72 ERA. Johnson has recorded 344 strikeouts, 12 shutouts, and just 19 earned runs while leading the NCAA in multiple pitching categories. 

Previously, Johnson was named the 2025 MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and earned First Team Scholar-Athlete honors in 2024, along with CSC Academic All-District recognition. 

2026 Scholar-Athlete Team:  

Maya Johnson, R-Senior (3.85 GPA, Nursing) 

• 2026 MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year  
• 25-2 record across 184.0 innings pitched
• 344 strikeouts, .72 ERA, 12 shutouts

Ellie Giles, Senior (3.897 GPA, Marketing) 

• Appeared in 16 games with 7 starts 4-2 record 
• 52.1 innings pitched  
• 50 strikeouts, 2.54 ERA, 1 shutout  

Brenna Blume, Senior (3.813 GPA, Economics) 

• Started 47 of 48 games at catcher  
• 5 home runs, 27 RBI, 36 hits, 16 runs  
• .993 fielding percentage (419 putouts, 19 assists)  

Previously Earned: 

• 2025 MVC Second Team Scholar-Athlete  
• 2024 CSC Academic All-District  
• 2024 MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention  

Nicole Hughes, Senior (3.702 GPA, Hospitality & Tourism Management) 

• Started all 48 games  
• .370 batting average, 7 home runs  
• 13 doubles, 32 RBI, 50 hits, 34 runs  
• .972 fielding percentage  

Previously Earned: 

• 2024 MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention  

Rylee Spindler, Sophomore (3.783 GPA, Exercise Science) 

• Started 45 of 48 games at third base  
• .446 batting average (second in MVC)  
• 4 home runs, 13 doubles, 3 triples  
• 36 RBI, 66 hits, 35 runs  
• .969 fielding percentage  

To qualify for the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically (redshirt freshmen are not eligible) and maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA. Position players must compete in at least 75 percent of their team's games or start at least 50 percent, while pitchers must make at least 17 appearances or pitch a minimum of 35 innings.