Paige Kelley Named to MAC All-Freshman Team

Paige Kelley running to first base in her black top and red pants after a hit at the Ball State Softball Stadium

May 06, 2026 | Softball

CLEVELAND - - For her play over the course of the 2026 league season, Ball State freshman outfielder Paige Kelley was named to the All-Mid-American Conference Freshman Team as voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.

Kelley led the Cardinals offense during #MACtion with a .366 batting average, tallying 26 total hits over 71 at bats. She registered her first collegiate double in a 3-for-3 effort in the opening game of the doubleheader at Toledo (March 28), while blasting her first career home run in a 4-for-4 outing in the series opener at Buffalo (May 1).

In addition, Kelley led the Ball State offense with 19 runs scored in MAC play, while collecting seven RBIs and going 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts. She also boasted a team-best .451 on base percentage, adding eight walks and three hit by pitches to her 26 total hits.

Overall, she registered a least one hit in 16 of BSU's 27 league outings, including each of the last five games.