RICHMOND, Va. – The Elon University softball team placed three players on the 2026 Preseason All-CAA Team, as announced by the league office Tuesday. Chloe Hatzopoulos, Greta Hessenthaler and Kayla Wilson earned preseason recognition, while the Phoenix were also selected as the favorite to win the league's newly formed South Division.
 
Hatzopoulos returns as Elon's leader in home runs (11), runs scored (41) and RBI (34). The Huntersville, N.C., native batted .295 last season, earned All-CAA Second Team honors and was selected to the league's All-Tournament Team after missing the previous year due to injury. The redshirt senior claimed one of four outfield spots on the preseason All-CAA team.
 
Hessenthaler is another key returning offensive threat for the Maroon and Gold. The junior earned All-CAA First Team honors after batting .354 while starting at second base. The Liberty, N.C., native scored 38 runs and recorded 56 hits, including seven doubles. She also paced the Phoenix with 32 walks, added two triples and reached base safely in 34 consecutive games.
 
Wilson was named to the Preseason All-CAA Team as a utility/non-pitcher after earning a spot on the league's All-Rookie Team last season. The Graham, N.C., native batted .319 in 32 games, recording three doubles and eight RBI. Among her standout performances was a game-winning RBI single at Delaware in Elon's 5-4 victory over the Blue Hens.
 
Coming off its first-ever CAA Tournament championship, Elon was selected as the South Division favorite with four first-place votes and 23 points. Campbell finished second with 20 points and one first-place vote, while UNCW placed third with 17 points. Charleston followed in fourth with 15 points and one first-place vote, while N.C. A&T (8 points) and Hampton (7 points) rounded out the division.
 
In the North Division, Stony Brook and Hofstra tied atop the poll with 14 points apiece, with the Seawolves holding a 3-2 edge in first-place votes. Towson finished third with 10 points, followed by Monmouth (8) and Drexel (4).
 
The Phoenix opens the 2026 season on Thursday, Feb. 5, hosting Radford at the Elon Softball Classic.