The University of Akron Athletics
Cantrell Named 2026 MAC Defensive Player of the Year
May 06 | Softball
AKRON, Ohio — University of Akron junior catcher Katie Cantrell has been named the 2026 Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, recognizing her elite work behind the plate and her impact on one of the conference's top defensive units, the league announced Wednesday.
Cantrell's all-around performance helped lead Akron to a 31-23 overall record and a 21-6 mark in MAC play, claiming the 2026 MAC Regular Season Championship for the second time in program history – first since 1998.
Cantrell delivered a standout defensive season, posting a .984 fielding percentage across 51 games with 189 total chances, recording 163 putouts and 23 assists while committing just three errors. She was also instrumental in controlling the running game, throwing out 12 of 20 attempted stolen bases (.625 caught-stealing percentage), while allowing only one passed ball all season.
In MAC play, Cantrell elevated her defensive performance even further. She registered a .992 fielding percentage with 121 total chances, tallying 104 putouts and 16 assists with only one error. She guided the Zips' pitching staff through 27 conference games, helping limit opponents to a .306 batting average while the staff posted a 4.15 ERA. Cantrell also caught 8 of 9 runners attempting to steal in league play and was part of a defensive unit that turned nine double plays.
Beyond the raw numbers, Cantrell's presence behind the plate was critical in managing Akron's pitching staff, which combined for 27 complete games overall and 16 in conference action.
Offensively, Cantrell complemented her defensive excellence with a strong season at the plate. She batted .299 with 43 hits, including 10 doubles and three home runs, while driving in 28 RBIs and drawing 25 walks.
She was even more productive in conference play, hitting .346 with 27 hits, eight doubles and 21 RBIs, posting a .441 on-base percentage and .551 slugging percentage.
Cantrell's all-around performance helped lead Akron to a 31-23 overall record and a 21-6 mark in MAC play, claiming the 2026 MAC Regular Season Championship for the second time in program history – first since 1998.
Cantrell delivered a standout defensive season, posting a .984 fielding percentage across 51 games with 189 total chances, recording 163 putouts and 23 assists while committing just three errors. She was also instrumental in controlling the running game, throwing out 12 of 20 attempted stolen bases (.625 caught-stealing percentage), while allowing only one passed ball all season.
In MAC play, Cantrell elevated her defensive performance even further. She registered a .992 fielding percentage with 121 total chances, tallying 104 putouts and 16 assists with only one error. She guided the Zips' pitching staff through 27 conference games, helping limit opponents to a .306 batting average while the staff posted a 4.15 ERA. Cantrell also caught 8 of 9 runners attempting to steal in league play and was part of a defensive unit that turned nine double plays.
Beyond the raw numbers, Cantrell's presence behind the plate was critical in managing Akron's pitching staff, which combined for 27 complete games overall and 16 in conference action.
Offensively, Cantrell complemented her defensive excellence with a strong season at the plate. She batted .299 with 43 hits, including 10 doubles and three home runs, while driving in 28 RBIs and drawing 25 walks.
She was even more productive in conference play, hitting .346 with 27 hits, eight doubles and 21 RBIs, posting a .441 on-base percentage and .551 slugging percentage.
Players Mentioned
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