LOUISVILLE, Ky. – College of Saint Mary junior softball player Ella Watts joined some exclusive company on Friday.

Watts was one of just 147 student-athletes from 63 schools nationwide to earn 2026 NAIA All-Region honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Assocation. She picked up second-team accolades at third base in Region III, one of six regions across the country.

The former Yutan High School standout becomes the first player in the 10-year tenure of Coach Carolyn Todd Bray to be named to one of the All-Region teams.

Earlier this month, Watts become the third player in Bray's tenure to pick up first-team All-Great Plains Athletic Conference recognition, following Alexis Howe (2021) and Macy Homes (2022). Thus, Watts becomes the first athlete in the past 10 years to make both All-Region and first-team All-GPAC.

Only seven GPAC players in 2026 made an All-Region team. Earning first-team nods are Mackenzie Groninga (P – Midland University) along with Chloe Kreuz (OF – Dordt University) and Rylee Yager (UT/P – Dordt), all in Region IV. Joining Watts on one of the second teams are Campbell Petrick (P – Midland) and Mackenzi Harrel (OF – Morningside University) in Region III and Alison Ernsberger (P – Dakota Wesleyan University) in Region IV.

Watts led the Flames this season in batting average (.426), on-base percentage (.484), hits (49) and triples (3), and was second in runs scored (21), doubles (8), homers (3), RBIs (17), stolen bases (4) and slugging percentage (.625).

NFCA-member head coaches nominate and then vote for the winners in their respective region.

All honorees move forward to be considered for selection for the two NFCA NAIA All-America teams, which will be announced June 4.