FAMU softball's Amari Brown, Zoryana Hughes lead as MVPs on and off the field

The duo's multipurpose impact has been a blessing for the Rattlers' historic season

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:04am

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Amari Brown and Zoryana Hughes are Florida A&M softball's brightest stars this season, leading the team as its top hitter/shortstop/relief pitcher and top pitcher, respectively. Their talents and leadership on and off the field have been crucial to FAMU's success, including the duo becoming the first softball players to sign with the school's NIL collective, Fang Exchange.

Why it matters

Brown and Hughes' versatility and impact as both offensive and defensive leaders is rare in college softball, and their historic NIL deal with Fang Exchange opens the door for more softball players to gain recognition and compensation for their talents. FAMU softball is also aiming to end its nine-year conference championship drought, making the duo's leadership all the more important.

The details

Amari Brown leads FAMU's offense with a .381 batting average, 43 hits, and 34 runs, while also serving as the team's starting shortstop and relief pitcher. Zoryana Hughes is the Rattlers' ace, with a 9-3 record and 3.63 ERA in 86.2 innings pitched, including a recent no-hitter. The two complement each other well, with Brown providing offensive firepower and Hughes anchoring the pitching staff. Their value extends beyond the field, as they became the first softball players to sign with FAMU's NIL collective, Fang Exchange.

  • On April 1, Brown and Hughes signed historic NIL deals with Fang Exchange.
  • On April 2, Hughes pitched a seven-inning no-hitter in FAMU's 6-0 win over Alabama A&M.
  • On April 7, the SWAC named Hughes its Pitcher of the Week for her no-hitter performance.

The players

Amari Brown

A senior from Marianna, Florida, who serves as FAMU's top hitter, starting shortstop, and relief pitcher. She leads the team in batting average, hits, and runs.

Zoryana Hughes

A junior from Lake City, Florida, who is FAMU's top pitcher with a 9-3 record and 3.63 ERA in 86.2 innings pitched. She recently threw a seven-inning no-hitter.

Brittany Beall

FAMU's second-year head coach, who has praised Brown and Hughes' multipurpose impact and leadership for the team.

Samantha Smith

FAMU's other pitcher, who has a team-high 3.57 ERA and has pitched 68.2 innings.

Lexie Spooner

FAMU's leading home run hitter with 9 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“It's rare. We're thankful that it's on our side. But it's just been a blessing to see all the efforts. Being able to see all the hard work show on the field in front of their fans and their families means the world to me as a coach.”

— Brittany Beall, FAMU Head Coach

“It complements really well to be able to have leaders on both sides of the game. It really helps when we lean into each other. We definitely have each other's backs on and off the field, and it shows up a lot on the field, whether on defense or offense.”

— Zoryana Hughes

“It's an amazing experience for us ― to not only be the first, but to open the door for other softball athletes who typically don't get as much limelight as some of the other sports. It's a great opportunity for other girls in the future to come and get the same experience.”

— Amari Brown

“I definitely think it's a team effort because I'm not fielding the ball and throwing it after I pitch it. It was a team win and team no-hitter.”

— Zoryana Hughes

“Amari's a true athlete. To look across the roster and see other girls step up at certain times has been very beneficial for us this season.”

— Brittany Beall, FAMU Head Coach

What’s next

The Rattlers will host the Alabama State Hornets in a three-game SWAC series starting on Friday, April 10, and finishing with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 11. The SWAC Tournament is scheduled to begin on May 5 in Gulfport, Mississippi, where FAMU will look to end its nine-year conference championship drought.

The takeaway

Brown and Hughes' versatility and leadership on both offense and defense have been crucial to FAMU softball's historic season, and their groundbreaking NIL deal with Fang Exchange opens the door for more softball players to gain recognition and compensation for their talents. The Rattlers are poised to make a deep run in the SWAC Tournament as they aim to end their conference title drought.