HBCU Softball Stars Shine Bright in SIAC Weekly Honors

ATLANTA — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), announced its Softball Players of the Week on Tuesday, February 3rd. This weekly accolade shines a well-deserved spotlight on the talented student-athletes who are representing their HBCU programs with distinction on the diamond.

Among the honorees this week are Hailey Vela and Riley Kapparis of Edward Waters University, a private HBCU located in Jacksonville, Florida. Both players put forth exceptional performances to help lead their Tigers squad in competition last week.

Hailey Vela, a junior outfielder, had an impressive all-around week, batting .500 with 4 runs scored, 4 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases. Her clutch hitting and solid defense helped power the Tigers to victories.

Riley Kapparis, a sophomore pitcher, was dominant in the circle, posting a 2-0 record with a minuscule 0.50 ERA.

"Hailey and Riley's performances this past week are a testament to the high caliber of talent we have within our HBCU softball programs," said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman. "These young women are role models for their peers and future generations of HBCU student-athletes."

The SIAC, founded in 1913, has a rich history of fostering competitive athletics and academic excellence at its member institutions. With 14 schools across the Southeast, the conference provides a platform for HBCU student-athletes to showcase their skills and achieve success.

For the HBCU community, the recognition of Vela and Kapparis, as well as the other SIAC Softball Players of the Week, is a source of immense pride. These young women are not only excelling on the field, but they are also serving as ambassadors for their schools and the broader HBCU community.

HBCUConnect.com, the premier online community for HBCU alumni and supporters, celebrates the achievements of these remarkable student-athletes. Their dedication, hard work, and impressive performances are a testament to the rich talent and unwavering spirit that defines HBCU athletics. These weekly honors shine a well-deserved spotlight on the exceptional contributions of HBCU student-athletes, inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps and continue the legacy of excellence.

Originally reported by SIAC Sports.