Gainesville, FL

The National fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has officially released their 2026 NJCAA All-American Teams, featuring a Santa Fe outfielder for the second straight year. Molly Bender becomes the 10^th Santa Fe Saint to be named a NFCA All-American, as she received Second Team honors.

A crucial part of their 2026 success, Bender hit .383 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs with 75 hits and 25 doubles. She slashed .383/.512/.724 in 196 at-bats. Not only did Bender get it done offensively, but she also stole 50 bases and fielded .991 with 101 putouts and 4 assists as the everyday center fielder.

"I am extremely proud of Molly for receiving this award" adds Head Coach Savanah Webster. "It is a small example of everything she has worked hard for this season; it couldn't go to a more deserving kid."

She adds NFCA Second Team All-American to a list of other honors and awards this season including NFCA Second Team All-South Region, First Team All-FCSAA, FCSAA All-Tournament Team, First Team All-Citrus Conference North, and Citrus Conference North Player of the Year.

Bender is the third player to be named an NFCA All-American under Savanah Webster, as Madison Conway earned First Team and Karris Rhine earned Second Team honors in 2025.

Read more about the other NFCA NJCAA All-Americans here: NFCA NJCAA All-Americans