LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. revealed the nine recipients of the 2026 NCAA Division II Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA, on Thursday.

Columbus State University Softball standout Anna Waites has been named the 2026 NCAA Division II Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipient in center field, as announced Thursday by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

Waites becomes one of nine student-athletes nationally to earn the prestigious defensive honor and helped Columbus State continue its recent tradition of elite defensive play. The Cougars earned their second consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove recognition, joining Colorado Christian University as the only programs with repeat winners in 2025 and 2026.

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA, recognizes the top defensive player at each position in NCAA Division II softball. Winners are selected by the NFCA's NCAA Division II All-America Committee following regional voting and evaluation of fielding statistics and school-submitted video.

Waites was selected as the nation's top defensive center fielder after anchoring the Columbus State outfield throughout the 2026 season. Her range, consistency, and ability to track down balls in the gap made her one of the top defensive players in the Southeast Region. Anna Waites finished the 2026 season with a .993 fielding percentage in center field, recording 123 putouts and 10 assists with just one error in 134 total chances.

Columbus State was one of nine different programs represented among this year's national award winners. Waites joined a distinguished list of recipients that included St. Mary's University pitcher Ariella Saenz, Texas Woman's University catcher Trinity Perry, Colorado Christian University first baseman Arriana Wright, University of Central Oklahoma second baseman Rylee Anglen, University of Wisconsin-Parkside third baseman Mia Johnson, Shippensburg University shortstop Caitlyn Martell, University of West Alabama left fielder Trinity Hatcher, and Augustana University right fielder Andrea Cain.

Any student-athlete competing during the 2026 championship season and nominated by an NFCA member head coach in good standing was eligible for consideration for the award.