NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Caldwell University junior softball pitcher Katie O'Connor (Charlottesville, Va.) has been named Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Student-Athlete of the Month for April 2026, the league announced today. O'Connor, a health science major with a 3.94 GPA, is recognized for her performance both on and off the field.
O'Connor is a three-time CACC Honor Roll (President's Level) member and two-time CSC Academic All-District pick who stands out on the mound as well. Her eight wins and 25 strikeouts in CACC play in 2026 led the league, helping her earn All-CACC Second Team honors.
With wins in 15 of her last 18 decisions, the right hander is now 10th in school history in victories with 37. The 2025 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete is also in the record book for her 371 1/3 innings pitched where she has accounted for 215 strikeouts, 11th in school history.
O'Connor was the team's primary game one starter for most of the season, compiling a 15-8 record and 3.54 ERA in a team-high 27 games (23 starts) on the way to a regular season conference championship. She was selected to the CACC All-Tournament Team after her performance in the Championship tournament.
Out of the pitching circle, O'Connor has worked with SPCA at home in Charlottesville, Virginia, for the past eight years, fostering 30 cats and kittens helping them to find loving homes. She also gives back to the youth athletes by teaching softball lessons for both hitting and pitching with girls aged 5-12.
O'Connor is the third Cougar selected to receive the CACC Student-Athlete of the Month award, joining Ariana Gaminara (women's soccer) and Melvin Evans (men's basketball) in being selected during the 2025-26 season. A Caldwell University student-athlete has earned the honor six times in the past two academic years, most of any CACC institution.
