VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Following one of the most successful athletic years in program history, the Marlins were well represented on the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) All-State Teams as 27 student-athletes, one coach, and four major award winners were recognized across nine sports during the 2025-26 academic year.
The Marlins collected 12 First Team All-State selections, 12 Second Team honorees, four statewide major awards, and the VaSID Coach of the Year honor, highlighting a year that saw Athletics capture conference championships, make three NCAA Tournament appearances, and continue its tradition of excellence on the regional and national stage.
Softball once again led the way for the Marlins after producing one of the nation's premier seasons. Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and head softball coach Brandon Elliott was named VaSID Coach of the Year after leading Batten to another ODAC Championship, its third consecutive NCAA Super Regional title, and a return trip to the NCAA Division III Softball World Series. Morgan Tucker was selected as the VaSID Player of the Year, while Hannah Hearl earned VaSID Pitcher of the Year honors after a dominant sophomore campaign.
The Marlins placed seven players on the VaSID All-State Softball Team. Hearl and Emma Adams earned First Team recognition as pitchers, while Samantha Deitsch (second base), Tucker (outfield), Taylor McQueen (designated player), and Laci Campbell (utility) were also First Team selections. Sarah Prosser rounded out the group with Second Team honors in the outfield.
Freshman distance runner Ester Zar was recognized as one of the Commonwealth's top newcomers, earning VaSID Rookie of the Year honors for both the women's indoor and outdoor track & field seasons. Zar also received Second Team All-State recognition during both seasons after an impressive debut year in which she established herself among the region's top distance runners.
The men's soccer program earned three All-State selections after another successful campaign. Zach Bittler headlined the group with First Team honors at forward, while defenders Aaron Deans and Josh Nevins were each named to the Second Team.
Women's volleyball added three All-State performers, led by First Team selections Hannah Smith and Niya Nash. Breana Brooks earned Second Team honors after helping the Marlins put together another strong season.
Women's soccer was represented by three All-State selections as defender Tori Mills earned First Team honors. Shyenne Diaz was named Second Team at forward, while Grayson Yeager earned Second Team recognition in the midfield.
The Marlins' track and field programs also received statewide recognition on the men's side. Jordan Hall was selected to the First Team in the jumps after another outstanding outdoor season, while Jordan Fielder earned Second Team honors in the same event group.
Men's basketball standout Omari DeVeaux capped an impressive season by earning First Team All-State recognition, while women's basketball guard Brianna Long was selected to the Second Team following another strong campaign.
Women's golf standout Juliette Coffey continued her award-winning season by collecting Second Team All-State honors after leading the Marlins throughout the year with multiple top finishes.
The women's tennis doubles team of Tuva Flink and Jette Hafermann rounded out Batten University's All-State selections with Second Team honors following a standout season together.
Batten University VaSID Major Award Winners
First Team All-State
Second Team All-State
