JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two of
Edward Waters University Softball's stellar senior student-athletes are going out in style.
Starting pitcher
Keivana Durand and right fielder
Kylah Gardner have been named to the 64Analytics Division II All-American Teams, a prestigious honor recognizing the nation's top performers. The selections are a fitting finale to two remarkable careers that helped elevate the EWU program to new heights.
"This is a proud day for Edward Waters softball," said Head Coach
Mike Ellison. "Keivana and Kylah represent everything you want in a student-athlete — leaders, competitors, and difference-makers. These All-American honors are a testament to years of hard work and excellence."
Durand, a senior workhorse in the circle, capped her final season with a 10-8 record, a 2.74 ERA, and 176 strikeouts over 124.1 innings pitched. Her consistency and poise anchored the Tigers' defense throughout the year and earned her Second-Team All-SIAC honors as a starting pitcher.
Making history on the diamond, the Apopka, FL native also hurled two no-hitters, Durand delivered standout performances including a 15 strikeout contest in key conference matchups and was twice named SIAC Pitcher of the Week in 2025. Her ability to command the game and lead the team from the circle made her one of the most feared arms in the conference.
On the other side of the diamond,
Kylah Gardner wrapped up her career with a scorching season at the plate, hitting .429 with 70 hits, 43 runs, 32 RBI, 23 stolen bases, and six home runs. She was a constant spark at the top of the lineup and earned First-Team All-SIAC honors for her dynamic play in right field.
Gardner's range and arm strength in the outfield made her a defensive anchor, while her aggressiveness on the basepaths and consistency at the plate set the tone for the Tigers' offense all season. She was also a two-time SIAC Player of the Week in 2025 and finished among league leaders in multiple offensive categories.
As the final chapters close on their Tiger journeys, both Durand and Gardner leave behind not just eye-popping stats, but an undeniable impact on the Edward Waters softball program. Their All-American honors are more than individual accolades — they are milestones in a legacy of growth, achievement, and Tiger pride.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit
www.thesiac.com.