Alabama
Vote: Who is the Alabama High School Softball Player of the Week? – Feb. 23, 2026
With the completion of week one of the high school softball season in the state of Alabama, it is time to look at some of the outstanding performances from a week ago.
Krimson Calhoun of Thompson headlines our list of nominees after she batted .867 in five games. Along, with Calhoun headlining the list of nominees, Baker High School and Helena High School each lead the way with two nominees for this week.
Meanwhile, the rest of our nominations include some outstanding offensive offensive and pitching performances from the first week of the season.
As always, we ask you, the fans, to vote for who you think is the High School on SI Alabama high school softball player of the week.
Send future player of the week nominations to reed_green1582@hotmail.com or reach out to him on X at @reed_green7.
Voting will close on March 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Here are this week’s nominations:
In the first five games of the season, Calhoun went 13/15 from the plate with an on-base percentage of .875. She drove in six runs, stole six bases, scored seven runs, and she also hit a bases clearing, game-winning triple in one of the Warriors victory.
In the 16-6 win over Valley, Norred finished with three hits, one home run, one double, five RBIs and two runs scored.
In the first three games of the season, which includes two wins over Huntsville and Hamilton, Thornton finished with four hits, three home runs, one triple, 10 RBIs, one stolen base and five runs scored.
In the first four games of the season, Havard tallied eight hits, two home runs, four doubles, 10 RBIs, one stolen base and four runs scored.
Keith is another player who enjoyed immense offensive success in week one. In four games, she went 8/11 with two home runs, four doubles, nine RBIs, one stolen base and five runs scored.
In the 21-9 win over McAdory, Traywick was 3/5 with two home runs, six RBIs and three runs scored.
Smith pitched 13 combined innings over the course of two games last week, and she picked up the win versus Long Beach. Her ERA was 0.54 with one earned run allowed, five total hits allowed and struck out 21 batters. Offensively, she tallied five hits combined in the wins over Long Beach and Petal.
Brewer got the season started off with two wins from the circle over Helena and Huntsville last week. Her ERA is currently at 2.55, and she allowed four earned runs and struck out 13 batters. Offensively, she tallied three hits, one RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
Schiefer appeared in four games from the circle last week, and she went 2-1 on the week. She pitched 14.2 innings, allowed eight earned runs, seven walks and struck out 17 batters. Offensively, she tallied six hits, two doubles, three RBIs and scored one run.
In four games, Henderson finished with four hits, one home run, two doubles, nine RBIs and scored four runs.
In the 10-0 win over Foley and the 4-3 win over Tate, Bolden tallied five combined hits, one home run, one triple, one double, five RBIs, two stolen bases and scored three runs.
In three games last week, Simmons tallied four hits, one double, five RBIs, one stolen base and four runs scored. She also went 1-0 in two appearances with 3.2 innings pitched. She allowed three hits, one earned run and struck out four batters.
In the 9-1 win over Handley, Dunagan finished with three hits, one home run, one double, two RBIs, three stolen bases and scored three runs.
Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Soccer is rapidly growing in Alabama and there aren’t enough officials to accommodate.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup had an impact on the growth of the sport.
“Instead of the World Cup arriving in America, America has arrived at the World Cup,” AHSAA Soccer Officials Coordinator Cedric Thomas said. “Watch parties across the county has showcased how America has reacted to the beautiful game.”
The 2026 World Cup reminded fans within North Alabama how special the game of soccer is and the game is rapidly growing in the Valley.
“It’s larger than any football program,” Alabama State Youth Referee Administrator Thomas Russell said. “We have more recreational soccer players than all of football combined.”
The rapid growth has created issues across the state. The biggest issue is the lack of soccer officials in Alabama.
There are around 900 certified soccer referees in Alabama, but the state needs about 1,500 for all games at all levels to operate smoothly.
“You cannot have an official game without officials,” Thomas said. “You can see the impact on the kids faces when only one or two referees show up and you need a third to make it an official game.”
The impact goes beyond the whistle. Referees in soccer have the ability to teach young athletes during games.
“We don’t coach them in the game, but we can teach them what they can and can’t do,” Russell said. “You can see a good referee who works with the kids and interacts with the kids. One that doesn’t just call a foul and go away.”
Soccer is highlighted on all levels in Huntsville. From youth soccer to AHSAA Soccer State Championships and the Huntsville City Football Club.
“I would say that the Huntsville Sports Commission and the city has solidified whatever that vision they had for soccer.”
More officials are needed for the sport to grow in North Alabama and across the state.
To find out how to become an official:
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Copyright 2026 WAFF. All rights reserved.
Alabama football took a step forward at the tight end position in 2025.
It may have not been the most exciting, but production was consistent, especially from the now departed Josh Cuevas.
What’s next for the Crimson Tide at tight end? Here are three questions that could define Alabama’s tight ends in 2026.
Can Kaleb Edwards match Josh Cuevas Alabama football production?
Cuevas was Ty Simpson and Alabama’s offensive safety net in 2025. Cuevas was a weapon where if a check down was needed, he caught it.
Kaleb Edwards had a preview of what that responsibility would look like in his first Iron Bowl, making the start for the injured Cuevas. In 60 snaps, per Pro Football Focus, he had two catches for 8 yards. Edwards’ production grew in the SEC championship against Georgia when he had three catches for 42 yards in 36 snaps, per PFF, a game Cuevas also missed.
With a new quarterback in either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell, a tight end with the reliability of Cuevas could be helpful when it comes to momentum and moving the ball downfield. Can Edwards be that answer the Crimson Tide needs?
What role will Josh Ford play with Alabama?
Josh Ford was an early addition to the tight end room via the NCAA transfer portal, joining the roster Dec. 16 after two seasons at Oklahoma State.
He fits the body type, standing at 6-foot-6, 267 pounds, a big-bodied mover who is widely expected to play an integral role in pass protection and run blocking.
While he may not be flashy, could Ford emerge as the cog that drives Alabama into success in the run game and in protecting either Mack or Russell?
Who is next in line after Kaleb Edwards in Alabama tight end room?
Edwards seems to be the pass-catching tight end of Alabama’s near future. But he’s not the only one in contention for reps.
Marshall Pritchett, who played a key role in Alabama’s special teams unit in 2025, is expected to take a step forward as a sophomore. Even Mack Sutter, the four-star freshman out of Dunlap, Illinois, has the pass catching skills to make an immediate impact as a receiver, even if the blocking skills need to be developed.
Edwards may be at the front of the line. But tight end production isn’t all on him once the season kicks off.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter or Instagram @colingaytnews.
Alabama
Governor Ivey Taps Glenda Allred as New Tourism Director, Announces Lee Sentell’s Retirement –
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the retirement of Lee Sentell, Alabama’s longest-serving Tourism Director. Governor Bob Riley originally appointed Sentell in 2003.
“Since Lee began serving at the Department of Tourism, we have grown the state’s tourism revenue from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion. Lee should certainly be commended for his passion for our state and for its many attractions,” said Governor Ivey. “From promoting Alabama’s pristine beaches to our award-winning food to Civil Rights history, space, outdoors and everything in between, Lee has always had a special way for sharing the many great facets of our state’s tourism industry. Thanks to his service, we have broken tourism records, supported more jobs for Alabama families and created significant and meaningful revenue for our state.”
Under his leadership, the Department has pioneered yearly campaigns spotlighting such diverse themes as small towns, the arts, barbecue, natural wonders, birding and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, winning the national industry’s coveted Mercury award six times in 12 years.
“Alabama is a special state, and I have been so proud to show people all over our country and around the world all that we have to offer,” said Sentell. “Leading the state’s tourism efforts for more than two decades and serving under Governor Ivey has been the honor of my life. I look forward to Alabama’s continued growth in the years ahead.”
The Department’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail campaign received the International Travel and Tourism Award for best regional promotion at the World Travel Market in London, becoming the first U.S. state tourism agency to be honored. Most recently, Tourism helped execute Governor Ivey’s America 250 Alabama Celebration on the front steps of the Alabama State Capitol where she unveiled a massive special 250 edition of the U.S. flag.
Governor Ivey also announced she is appointing Glenda Allred to lead Tourism for the remainder of the Ivey Administration. She comes to the post from serving as Deputy State Treasurer in Treasurer Young Boozer’s Office. Glenda began state service in 2011.
“I am excited to have Glenda joining the Ivey Administration to lead our state’s tourism efforts. Before working in the executive branch, she had nearly two decades of private sector experience that included marketing and media relations,” said Governor Ivey. “Glenda will be a fantastic addition to our team as we finish strong these next six months. Alabama has a lot left to tell, and I know we can continue doing that with Glenda’s leadership.”
Allred spent 15 years in the private sector with a bank holding company managing media relations, shareholder relations, all publications to shareholders and advertising for a 72-branch franchise in Alabama.
“I am honored by Governor Ivey’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Allred. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Department of Tourism to advance our shared mission of improving the lives of the people of our state and all those who visit!”
She is a 1991 Huntingdon College graduate and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Allred’s appointment is effective Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
An official headshot of Glenda Allred is attached.
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