BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In the fourth set of the 2026 Gulf South Conference Softball Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions, Valdosta State’s Chloe Eichelberger (player), UAH’s Megan Shurtz (pitcher) and Union’s Sydney Scott (freshman) were recognized following their performances during the week of February 16-22..
GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Chloe Eichelberger, INF, So., Valdosta State
Eichelberger had an impressive weekend as she went 6-for-8 (.750) at the plate with seven RBI and three runs scored, helping the Blazers sweep their three-game at Trevecca Nazarene to open GSC play. She also had a .778 on base percentage and slugged 2.000 thanks in part to three home runs and a double. The rookie had a standout performance in the series opener launching two home runs while going 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Other nominees: Brittany Slatten, UAH; Kyleigh Wheaton, Delta State; Sydney Scott, Union; Ella Watson, West Alabama; Nicole Mergen, West Florida
GSC PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Megan Shurtz, Sr., UAH
Shurtz recorded a win and a save to help the Chargers sweep Lee in their first GSC series of the season. The senior was credited with a 5-0 win in the opener, improving to 6-1 on the year, after throwing seven innings with seven strikeouts and allowing three hits. She then worked 1.2 scoreless innings of relief in the finale, entering the game in the fourth with UAH leading 4-3, before registering two strikeouts and surrendering a hit.
Other nominees: Chelisa Newsome, AUM; Rylee Moore, Union; Giselle Portanova, Valdosta State; Megan Roe, West Alabama; Haley Guffey, West Florida
GSC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Sydney Scott, OF, Union
Scott led Union offensively, hitting .636 with seven hits in 11 at bats, helping the Lady Bulldogs to a series win over Delta State in open GSC action. The rookie had three multi-hit games as she finished with four RBI, five runs scored, had a .636 on-base percentage and slugged 1.273 with three triples and a pair of doubles. In the opener, Scott went 2-for-3 and accounted for four runs—driving in one and scoring three–in an 8-6 win. She also had two hit in game two and was 3-for-4 in the finale.
Other nominees: Allie Yeary, UAH; Alivia Messick, AUM; Giselle Portanova, Valdosta State; Kayla Morris, West Alabama; Miranda Harmon, West Florida
2026 GSC Softball Weekly Awards
Player of the Week
Feb. 3: Hannah Harper, West Florida
Feb. 10: Shay Hollingsworth, Trevecca Nazarene
Feb. 17: Becca Benton, Montevallo
Feb. 24: Chloe Eichelberger, Valdosta State
Pitcher of the Week
Feb. 3: Camryn Bailey, Mississippi College
Feb. 10: Megan Shurtz, UAH
Feb. 17: Taylor Lloyd, Montevallo
Feb. 24: Megan Shurtz, UAH
Freshman of the Week
Feb. 3: Kylie Ballentine, UAH
Feb. 10: Bailey Goad, Trevecca Nazarene
Feb. 17: Taylor Rogers, Montevallo
Feb. 24: Sydney Scott, Union