Gainesville, FL

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has officially released their All-Region Teams for 2026 that features sophomore outfielder Molly Bender. She was named to the South Region Second Team.

Bender was someone that opposing defenses had to circle on their scouting reports as she slashed .393/.526/.747, for a total of 70 Hits. Of those 70 hits, she cleared the fence with 13 of them and totaled 46 RBIs on the season. Her impact did not just top at the plate as she stole 48 bases and scored 84 total runs.

She was also an impressive defender for Santa Fe as she carried a fielding percentage of 1.000, with 90 putouts and 4 assists on the year; using her speed and athleticism in the outfield to prevent runs from scoring.

Bender adds to the list of Santa Fe players who have been honored by the NFCA as both Madison Conway and Karris Rhine who were named NFCA First Team South Region last season. Conway was named a NFCA NJCAA DI First Team All-American while Rhine was named NFCA NJCAA DI Second Team All-American

Bender adds NFCA NJCAA DI Second Team All-Region to her resume this season that includes First Team All-FCSAA, First Team All-Citrus Conference North, and Citrus Conference North Player of the Year.