The Newberry College Wolves softball team opens the 2026 season Friday at No. 10 Francis Marion, entering the year with experience and improved depth.

Third-year head coach Mitch Smith returns a veteran roster from a team that posted a 23–30 overall record and an 11–13 mark in the South Atlantic Conference in 2025. Smith is encouraged by the group's continuity, improved health, and offseason adjustments—particularly in the pitching staff.

"The biggest thing we needed to improve on was having depth in our pitching staff," said Smith.  "Injuries really hurt us last year, but the growth of the group that is back and adding a couple of important additions is going to help out a lot."

After injuries limited depth last season, the Wolves return Natalie Wescott, who made 31 appearances with 20 starts, 10 complete games, an 8–12 record, and a save. The pitching staff is bolstered by junior college transfer Abigail Brewton and freshman Katie Kapusta. Brewton arrives from Gaston College after a standout two-year career, compiling a 38–3 record with 252 strikeouts in 227.2 innings and a 2.09 ERA while helping lead the Rhinos to the NJCAA Division I World Series. Samanta Minick (3–1, 15 appearances) also returns, along with Maddy Staples, who may contribute out of the bullpen when not starting in right field.

"We have a big group of returners which means it should be a great year," said Smith.  The good thing about our starting lineup is our experience."

Staples headlines an experienced lineup after earning preseason All-SAC honors. She batted .356 with a 1.013 OPS, led the team with 13 doubles, 11 home runs, and 43 RBI, and was perfect in stolen-base attempts while recording 15 outfield assists in 2025.

The outfield also features returning starters Christine Butler (.267, 26 runs) and Taylor Palfrey (.293, 20 runs), while left field will be contested by GraceAnn Thompkins (.302), Madison Morgan (.235), and freshmen Olivia Grant and Olivia Wray.

The infield returns intact, led by first baseman Haidyn Campbell, who hit .387 with a 1.007 OPS, 60 hits, 36 RBI, and a .510 on-base percentage. Shortstop Ella Stone started all 53 games last season and batted .321 with 50 hits and 26 RBI. Katie Henri and Brooke Hodges will compete at second base, while Payton Little returns at third after starting 29 games.

Behind the plate, the Wolves return veterans Samantha Clark, Bethany Pigg, and Dallas Waggoner. Clark will also serve as the designated player after a standout junior season in which she led the team with a .391 average, 1.092 OPS, and 36 RBI.

With a challenging schedule ahead, Smith believes the team will be well prepared for conference play as the Wolves set their sights on qualifying for the SAC Tournament.

"We want to make the conference tournament," says Smith.  "The schedule is tough and I'll put our conference up against any conference in the country, but we have games leading up to it that will prepare us for the SAC race."