DECATUR – Decatur is set to make history as the first city to host the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUAC) softball championship tournament.
“We are thrilled and honored to have been chosen to host the HBCUAC Softball Championship,” said Danielle Gibson, president/CEO of Decatur Morgan County Tourism. “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Decatur as a city, its facilities and our love for softball.
“We look forward to welcoming all the teams and fans to our town for an unforgettable experience filled with competitive spirit and camaraderie. Let’s make this tournament the best one yet.”
The tournament is April 22–25 and brings together six HBCUs – including Huntsville’s Oakwood University – for an exciting showcase of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
“We are so excited to be back in Decatur for another championship,” said HBCUAC Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes. “The Decatur Morgan County Tourism team has been an incredibly supportive and resourceful partner, and we are thrilled to host another championship with them. With this being our first year having a softball championship, it was critical to have a host that understands our goals and mission.
“Having DCMT host was an easy fit, as they also host our cross-country championship and are well aware of our vision for first-class events.”
Along with Oakwood, the five other teams are Dillard University of New Orleans; Rust College of Holly Springs, Miss.; Stillman College of Tuscaloosa; Talladega College; and Voorhees University of Denmark, S.C.
“DMCT is ecstatic to further develop our relationship with the HBCUAC by hosting a second championship here in Decatur,” said Don Dukemineer, director of sports development at Decatur Morgan County Tourism. With hosting the cross-country championship in the fall, and now the softball championship …, our unwavering commitment to the HBCUAC is to remain a strong partner in realizing the impact these events have on our community.
“We are excited to showcase our inviting spirit to the student-athletes while, at the same time, proving why Decatur is a perfect fit for the HBCUAC.”
Stillman was the preseason favorite to claim the championship title. Lauren Haskins of Stillman was the 2025 Preseason Hitter of the Year, and Oakwood’s Sydney Arnett was the 2025 Preseason Pitcher of the Year,.
For updates and information, visit hbcuac.org.
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