WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace College’s softball team is poised to hit the diamond for the first time in 2024 with first pitch mere days away.
The softball program will be entering its third year under co-head coaches Bo Coolen and Sam Coolen. In their first two seasons the duo has led Grace to back-to-back seasons of double digit conference wins for the first time since 2017-18.
“We are very excited for and focused on this upcoming season,” Bo Coolen said. “This year’s team boasts a very talented batch of underclassmen and we are thrilled with the group that we have returning.”
Grace ended the season on a high note in 2023, picking up a shutout victory over No. 20 Mt. Vernon on the final day of the regular season. The Lancers had an even split in the four game series with the Cougars last season.
This year the Lancers bring back a plethora of familiar faces and the Coolen's bolstered the roster with a deep freshman class that appears poised to contribute from day one.
Among the key returners that Grace welcomes back, are the top five hitters and the top two pitchers from a season ago. The Lancers’ roster also boasts four senior players (Kyrah Lewis, Kierstin Fickas, Alexis Bergman, Cassie Hayes) as well as fifth-year graduate student Jeri Ellis.
Grace freshman class features five outfielders (Ashlyn Erwin, Maisy Harlow, Kaitlyn Seagrave, Madison Gainey) and a trio of infielders (Halle Nett, Chloe Huff, Sage Ladig).
Other Grace returners include Tia O’Connor, Montana Brincks, Bree Gardinier, Brenna Elgin, Bela Duran, Kali Kahalekomo and Avery Sleeth.
“We have power and speed throughout the lineup this year,” commented Coolen. “We are excited for the possibilities that opens up for us to play a different style of softball this year.
The Lancers schedule includes 12 Crossroad League games against teams in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Coaches’ Poll. “Every game in the Crossroad League is a dog fight,” Coolen remarked. “Each team in the league is talented and extremely competitive. We will need to stay committed to the process and overcome the little things to be successful as a team.”
Over the past three seasons the Crossroads League has sent eight teams to the NAIA National Tournament, including two teams which reached the final site.
“Our goals are to be in those postseason tournaments,” Coolen added. “In order to reach those goals we need to be on the same page and compete as a team day-in and day-out. If we are able to do that then I am excited to see how far this team can go.”
The Lancers will start the season on Monday with a home stand against IU South Bend before traveling to Florida for a six-game week starting on March 6th. Grace will then return home to kickoff Crossroads League play on March 12th against No. 5 Marian.