LOUISVILLE, KY -- The University of North Georgia softball team has been ranked #6 in the nation a preseason Top 25 poll released by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).  UNG is the only PBC team to appear in the preseason poll.

North Georgia, led by first year head coach Brooke O'Hair, claimed the 2025 PBC regular-season title and hsoted the PBC Tournament. The Nighthawks received the #2 seed in the NCAA Southeast Region, and hosted the first round where they advanced to the NCAA Southeast Super Regional and faced #1 Francis Marion. The Nighthakws claimed the NCAA Southeast Region Title and advanced to the NCAA Championship site, before closing their season at a 48-16 record, and a 19-5 record in PBC play. 

The Nighthawks see a star-studded list of returners to the roster, led by 2025 NFCA Freshman & Catcher of the Year Carleigh Knowles and D2CCA All-American Sydnee Reaves. North Georgia will open the 2026 season on Friday, Jan. 30 in Gulf Shores, Ala. for the Gulf Shores Invitational. 

The 2026 NFCA/GoRout Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll is voted on by the NFCA Division II Top 25 Poll Committee. The committee consists of 16 NCAA Division II head coaches with two representing each of the NCAA’s eight regions. The first poll of the regular season will be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 10 and every Tuesday at noon ET throughout the 2026 season.