University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Shaffer Named to CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team
1/22/2026 1:00:00 PM | Softball
DALLAS, TEXAS - University of Delaware softball senior Sydney Shaffer was named to the Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team, as announced by the league on Jan. 22.Â
Shaffer, the reigning CAA Player of the Year, is coming off a season in which she set program single-season records in home runs (19), RBIs (57), extra-base hits (33), batting average (.421), on base percentage (.540), slugging percentage (.888), OPS (1.428), and total bases (135). She also finished with the second-most runs scored (49) and walks (38), fourth-most hits (64), and fifth-most doubles (14) in a season in Delaware history. Nationally, she ranked 16th in slugging percentage, 24th in on base percentage, 32nd in home runs, 36th in total bases, 52nd in batting average, and 62nd in RBIs. Against power conference teams, she hit .375/.464/.792 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in eight games.Â
In addition to being named CAA Player of the Year, she was an NFCA East Region First Team selection, All-ECAC selection, and CSC First-Team Academic All-America selection. Entering 2026, D1Softball named her the 31st-best player among mid-majors, and second best player in Conference USA.Â
Shaffer and the Blue Hens will begin the season in Florida on Feb. 6, playing at the FAU Paradise Tournament against Stonehill, Army, Indiana, and Florida Atlantic before facing USF on Feb. 10. UD was picked sixth in the CUSA Preseason Poll, as voted on by coaches. Conference play begins March 6 at home against FIU.Â
TICKETS
Softball season ticket deposits are available now. Season ticket packages and individual game tickets will go on sale later this winter.
Individual ticket prices will be $10 per game and $5 for youth (ages 3-12). Season ticket packages will be available at 50 percent off the single game rate. There will also be group rate, incentives, and additional gameday experience opportunities. All seating will be general admission at Delaware Softball Diamond.
UD students will continue to receive free tickets to all home softball games.
Fans can also join the Coop Crew for grades K-12. This group features one-on-one communication with a Blue Hen player, on-field experience and a pizza party during a select home game, autograph and photo opportunities, and an end-of-the-year youth clinic.Â
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware softball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Shaffer, the reigning CAA Player of the Year, is coming off a season in which she set program single-season records in home runs (19), RBIs (57), extra-base hits (33), batting average (.421), on base percentage (.540), slugging percentage (.888), OPS (1.428), and total bases (135). She also finished with the second-most runs scored (49) and walks (38), fourth-most hits (64), and fifth-most doubles (14) in a season in Delaware history. Nationally, she ranked 16th in slugging percentage, 24th in on base percentage, 32nd in home runs, 36th in total bases, 52nd in batting average, and 62nd in RBIs. Against power conference teams, she hit .375/.464/.792 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in eight games.Â
In addition to being named CAA Player of the Year, she was an NFCA East Region First Team selection, All-ECAC selection, and CSC First-Team Academic All-America selection. Entering 2026, D1Softball named her the 31st-best player among mid-majors, and second best player in Conference USA.Â
Shaffer and the Blue Hens will begin the season in Florida on Feb. 6, playing at the FAU Paradise Tournament against Stonehill, Army, Indiana, and Florida Atlantic before facing USF on Feb. 10. UD was picked sixth in the CUSA Preseason Poll, as voted on by coaches. Conference play begins March 6 at home against FIU.Â
TICKETS
Softball season ticket deposits are available now. Season ticket packages and individual game tickets will go on sale later this winter.
Individual ticket prices will be $10 per game and $5 for youth (ages 3-12). Season ticket packages will be available at 50 percent off the single game rate. There will also be group rate, incentives, and additional gameday experience opportunities. All seating will be general admission at Delaware Softball Diamond.
UD students will continue to receive free tickets to all home softball games.
Fans can also join the Coop Crew for grades K-12. This group features one-on-one communication with a Blue Hen player, on-field experience and a pizza party during a select home game, autograph and photo opportunities, and an end-of-the-year youth clinic.Â
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware softball, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
C
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