EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE softball's Avery Arwood has been honored by D1Softball.com as a member of the 2026 Preseason Mid-Major Top 100 Player Rankings.

Arwood, a sophomore right-handed pitcher from St. Joseph, Michigan, was named the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year and was a first team All-OVC selection.

She led the 2025 Cougars in victories (11) and earned run average (3.08). Arwood fanned a team-leading 83 in 132 2/3 innings pitched. She tossed three shutouts among her 24 starts.

The Mid-Major D100 aims to recognize the best players outside the P4 conferences. Freshmen are not eligible for the rankings, but any other player currently on a non-P4 team is eligible including transfers. The Mid-Major D100 is a true top 100 and there are no ties.

SIUE softball starts the 2026 Feb. 6-8 at the Fresno State Tournament.