Virginia Wesleyan University senior pitcher Emma Adams has been named the recipient of the 2026 NCAA Division III Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), as announced by the organization on Thursday afternoon.
Adams was selected as the nation's top defensive pitcher, becoming one of nine student-athletes across NCAA Division III to receive the prestigious honor. She was also one of two award recipients competing at the NCAA Division III Women's College World Series in Salem, Virginia.
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award recognizes the top defensive player at each position in Division III softball. Recipients are selected by the NFCA's NCAA Division III All-America Committee following regional voting and evaluation of fielding statistics and video submissions.
A cornerstone of the Marlins' historic 2026 season, Adams has been dominant both in the circle and defensively for Virginia Wesleyan. Her athleticism and composure consistently helped the Marlins erase scoring threats and control the pace of games throughout the season.
Adams becomes the latest Virginia Wesleyan softball student-athlete to earn national recognition during another championship-caliber campaign for the Marlins. Virginia Wesleyan entered the NCAA Division III Women's College World Series with a 50-1 overall record and captured both the ODAC Championship and NCAA Super Regional title to advance to Salem.
The complete list of 2026 NCAA Division III Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipients, presented by the NFCA, is listed below:
- Pitcher: Emma Adams, Virginia Wesleyan University
- Catcher: Rylee Dunkin, Central College
- First Base: Haley Leimbach, Tufts University
- Second Base: Caelee Clark, Texas Lutheran University
- Third Base: Mallory Pyle, East Texas Baptist University
- Shortstop: Anna Beckman, Illinois Wesleyan University
- Left Field: Sam Flowers, Salisbury University
- Center Field: Payton Dolecki, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Right Field: Karley Trine, Trine University
