As the spring semester came to a close, several Golden Tiger athletic programs had great results in conference championships, and multiple student-athletes were recognized by the Appalachian Athletic Conference for their performances in the classroom and on the field.
In April, the Brenau competitive cheerleading team won the 2026 National Cheerleading Association NAIA All-Girl Championship. This was the program’s third consecutive national title.
“Our athletic teams have enjoyed a phenomenal spring semester culminating in a third national championship for our cheer team, while softball, golf, tennis, and track have all had unprecedented success highlighted by many individual achievements,” Vice President of Athletics Michael Lochstampfor said. “I am proud of all of our teams and our athletes who compete with pride and character, and am thrilled when they are recognized for their hard work and dedication on all-conference teams and at national championships.”
The tennis team finished third in the regular season and reached the semifinals at the AAC Conference Tournament. Emma Ackermann was named 2026 AAC Women’s Tennis Freshman of the Year for outstanding play during her inaugural season. Ackermann and senior Kristina Radovic were named to the All-Conference Second-Team for their performance. Radovic also received Champions of Character recognition and All-Academic honors alongside four teammates.
“This season is a reflection of how hard this group has worked and how well they’ve come together,” Head Coach Kathryn Barker said. “Finishing third in the conference is something we’re really proud of and excited to build on. We’re also very proud of Emma for being named AAC Freshman of the Year. It is an outstanding honor that speaks not only to her individual effort, but also to the environment and culture this group has created together.”
The Brenau softball team also placed third in its regular season and secured the third seed for the conference tournament. Junior Dayton Power was named AAC Softball Player of the year after hitting .480 on the season, the second-best average in the conference and leading the AAC in total hits, runs scored and stolen bases. Emma Folds received 2026 AAC Newcomer of the Year recognition in her inaugural season as a Golden Tiger by leading the AAC in triples and finishing second in the conference in runs. Power and Folds joined juniors Ava Moon and Peyton Hawkins on the First All-Conference Team, while senior Whitney Hulsey was named to the AAC Second-Team. Senior Riley Smith received the 2026 AAC Champions of Character recognition.
The track and field team earned a third-place finish at the AAC Conference Championships, with Golden Tigers winning four events. Sophomore Madison Kitson was named AAC Most Valuable Player after winning two individual events (400 and long jump), helping win the 4×400 relay, placing second in two individual events (200 and triple jump), and helping the 4×100 relay to a runner-up finish.
Earlier in the semester, Kitson qualified for the NAIA National Track and Field Championship with a ‘B’ standard time in the 400 meters. She also represented Brenau at the NAIA National Indoor Championship this year and placed seventh in the long jump. The outdoor competition is May 20-22 in Asheville, North Carolina. The Brenau Golf team earned a fifth-place finish in the AAC Conference Championship, the program’s best result since 2021. Senior Morela Boyd led the team, placing 17th in the competition. During the spring, Boyd was named AAC Women’s Golfer of the Week twice