by Tim Reece

Winter weather caused the cancellation of the Sand Mountain Classic in Albertville, Alabama, on January 30 and 31, when Vol State was scheduled to open the 2026 season. The Lady Pioneers will now travel to Dothan, Alabama, to participate in the Dothan Invitational on Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7. Their first opponent will be Florida Southwestern State College, which finished runner-up in last year’s NJCAA Division I World Series.

Christian Lynn, in his third year as head coach and seventh overall with the program, returns five players from last year’s 48-13 squad, which finished second in both the TCCAA regular season and the Region 7 tournament and was ranked in the top 20 nationally for much of the season. Vol State led the conference in most offensive categories, including batting average (.376), runs (566), hits (663), RBIs (495), and stolen bases (205). In the final four categories, the Lady Pioneers ranked fifth nationally.

There will be big shoes to fill following the departures of Lydia Kirby, A’Miyah Collier, and Brooklyn Levin. Kirby, a two-time TCCAA Player of the Year and NJCAA Division I All-American, finished her career with 123 games played, 127 runs, 177 hits, 29 home runs, 207 RBIs, and a .444 batting average. Kirby has continued her career at Troy University.

Collier was outstanding in her lone season as a Lady Pioneer, playing in just 43 games due to injury but still collecting 70 hits, 19 home runs, and 95 RBIs. She led the conference with a .479 batting average and a 1.096 slugging percentage and was named First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-American. Collier is now playing at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.

Levin, now at Metropolitan State University of Denver, anchored the pitching staff in 2025, leading the team in ERA (2.30), innings pitched (152), starts (23), complete games (23), shutouts (4), and strikeouts (111), while posting an 18-5 record. Her 18 wins tied for the conference lead, and her innings total led the TCCAA.

Only one pitcher from last season’s roster returns for second-year pitching coach Alyssa Costley. Charis Nichols appeared in 36 games in 2025, the most of any pitcher in the conference, and logged 110.2 innings while finishing with a 14-2 record. Her 14 wins tied for third in the TCCAA.

Joining Nichols is redshirt sophomore Kaitlyn Davis, who sat out last season due to injury. Coaches Lynn and Costley are counting on Davis to return to her freshman form, when she earned Second Team All-Conference honors and finished the 2024 season ranked in the top three of eight statistical categories, including leading the conference in innings pitched (176) and starts (27).

Indian Hills CC transfer Courtney DenRuyter, freshman Gracyn Nealon, and Bossier Parish CC transfer Mia Harper appear ready to help Vol State maintain its strong presence in the circle. Jordan Lucas, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, and freshman Sara Link also join a pitching staff that finished second in the conference last season in ERA (3.05), WHIP (1.40), and strikeouts (254).

Offensively and defensively, the only returning starter is outfielder Kaitlin Dillard, who played in 54 games and hit .368 last season. Also returning are Willow Carden, Kendra McNeil, and Kierstyn Smith. Carden is a utility infielder who hit six home runs in 2025 and whose leadership will be invaluable. McNeil (1B) and Smith (OF) will compete with a large freshman class for playing time and at-bats.

Cleveland State CC transfer Abby Murrill is expected to begin the season in center field and at the top of the lineup after sitting out last year. In 2024, Murrill led Cleveland State in several offensive categories, including batting average (.433). Freshman Anaya Dawson impressed with both the bat and glove in the fall, while freshman Savannah White is expected to contribute early as a defensive specialist in the outfield.

The infield will feature several talented freshmen alongside Carden and McNeil. Maddie Shinton, a versatile utility player, is expected to see time at third base and catcher while providing power in the middle of the lineup. Mallie Grizzle, another power bat, and Alyssa Dixon, a top-of-the-lineup hitter, will anchor the middle infield. Maddie Goad can play either corner infield position and is expected to drive in runs, while Hayleigh Deering could see key at-bats off the bench.

Behind the plate, Kileigh “KJ” Irwin, a transfer from John A. Logan College, will provide a steady defensive presence and offensive production from the left side. Before an injury shortened her season in 2025, Irwin played in 19 games and hit .418. Shinton and McNeil will provide depth at catcher.

The 2026 Lady Pioneers had a strong fall season as they prepared with a roster featuring many new faces. Their pursuit of a first TCCAA regular season championship since 2021 and a first conference tournament title since 2011 begins in Dothan. The first home series is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15, at the Nichols Softball Complex on the campus of Volunteer State Community College against Danville Area CC and Patrick & Henry CC.

Fans can follow the Lady Pioneers on GameChanger and watch most home games on VolState Sports on YouTube. Thank you for your continued support of Vol State Softball and Vol State Athletics.