GREENVILLE, S.C. – Conference Carolinas announced the women's basketball awards prior to Thursday's quarterfinals of the 2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship. The 2025-26 all-conference awards were chosen by the league's head coaches.

Chowan University's Nyeisha Savage earned multiple postseason honors from Conference Carolinas, receiving recognition in three categories. The junior forward from Suffolk, Virginia, was named Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year, while also earning Second Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team honors.

Savage has been a force on both ends of the floor throughout the season, anchoring the Hawks defensively. She has played a key role in Chowan's rim protection with her shot blocking, rebounding, deflections, and ability to force turnovers. With the award, Savage becomes just the second Hawk in program history to earn Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year, joining Destiny Robinson, who received the honor during the 2022–23 season. Savage was also recognized twice as Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Week and once as Offensive Player of the Week during the season.

Savage currently leads Conference Carolinas with 53 blocks, a mark that ranks 21st in NCAA Division II. Her average of 2.3 blocks per game ranks 10th nationally and leads the conference. She also leads the league in rebounding, averaging 9.4 rebounds per game, totaling 216 rebounds in 23 games. After battling injuries last season, Savage returned to start every game for the Hawks this year. Her resilience and strength have helped establish her as one of the top players in Conference Carolinas.

Kiara Croskey of Francis Marion University was selected player of the year, a season after she was selected freshman of the year. She becomes the third Patriot to win the award in the last four years, joining Lauryn Taylor who won back-to-back player of the year awards in 2023 and 2024.

This season, Croskey ranks in the Conference Carolinas top 10 in 11 different categories as she leads the league with 186 field goals, 521 points,100 steals and 3.57 steals per game. Her 18.6 points per game ranks second in the league and 30th in NCAA Division II. She also pulls down 6.4 rebounds per game. Croskey was selected Conference Carolinas Player of the Week twice and Defensive Player of the Week twice. She posted 15 games with at least 20 points, including a season-high of 35 against Chowan.

Aliyah Hawkins of King University was tabbed as the Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year, becoming the second Tornado to earn that distinction. She joins Trinity Lee in 2018-19. Hawkins leads Conference Carolinas with an assist/turnover ratio of 1.77, 138 assists and an average of 4.9 assists per game. She was selected Conference Carolinas Player of the Week twice, garnering D2SIDA/WBCA National Player of the Week honors on January 13. She posted a triple-double against Southern Wesleyan with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists in February. She currently averages 12.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.

Francis Marion's Jeri Porter was selected Coach of the Year for the second straight year. She has guided the Patriots to a 20-9 overall record while going 17-4 in Conference Carolinas play. Francis Marion went 9-1, winning the East Division and earning the top seed in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship. This marks the second straight year the Patriots have won 20 games and earned the top seed in the championship.

The women's quarterfinals tipoff on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. before the semifinals on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. The championship contest is slated for 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The Conference Carolinas Basketball Championships will also feature the Spirit Championships. The Spirit Championships are scheduled for the morning of Saturday, March 7.

Fans can watch every game of the tournament live via the Conference Carolinas Digital Network powered by Hudl at ConferenceCarolinas.com/watch. Fans can purchase an all-tournament pass for $25 or a daily pass for $10.
 

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2025-26 Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball All-Conference
Player of the Year
Kiara Croskey, Francis Marion

Defensive Player of the Year
Nyeisha Savage, Chowan

Freshman of the Year
Aliyah Hawkins, King

Coach of the Year
Jeri Porter, Francis Marion

First Team
Kiara Croskey, Francis Marion
Nadiya Hairston, Lees-McRae
Naomi Roberts, Emmanuel
Kamryn Bates, Young Harris
Annalise Malone, Young Harris

Second Team
Aliyah Hawkins, King
Lauren Mingo, Barton
Amiya Redus, Shorter
Riley James, Belmont Abbey
Nyeisha Savage, Chowan

Third Team
Layne Sleight, Barton
Natalee Goff, Emmanuel
Kaylee Carson, Lees-McRae
Bre'Asia Washington, UNC Pembroke
Chelsy Singleton, Shorter

All-Defensive Team
Nyeisha Savage, Chowan
Kiara Croskey, Francis Marion
Lauren Mingo, Barton
Brielle George, Belmont Abbey
Riley James, Belmont Abbey