2025 'Roo Softball Season Preview

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College softball team heads into the 2025 campaign coming off one of the strongest years in modern program history, with last season's 18 wins establishing a new regular season record while matching the most in a year since the program came back in 2007.

Head coach Brandon Johnson sees big things ahead for this year's team as they continue to ascend the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference ladder, having taken a big jump in the standings a year ago and securing a berth in the conference tournament for the first time since 2015. A number of program records fell last season, including Chyrsi Hemby breaking the single-season record with 20 doubles, Alexus Johnson setting a new program benchmark with 10 wins, and Tori Fowler besting the previous single-season mark for stolen bases. All three players return this year looking to help the 'Roos make some more noise in the conference, with their eyes on another trip to the postseason.

Hemby enters her senior year after earning All-SCAC recognition and finishing among the national leaders in doubles, providing a tremendous bat and leadership at second base. Johnson, who was in her first year in the program in 2024, is also back for her senior season to give the 'Roos a reliable presence in the circle, and like Hemby was also an All-SCAC pick a year ago. Fowler was likewise in her first season with the 'Roos last year, and heads into her junior season coming off of an All-Conference year in which she batted .336 with 28 stolen bases. 

Johnson will be looking for leadership from senior Hailie Swiatkowski, who won seven games in the circle while also driving in 13 runs at the plate. Swiatkowski was another All-Conference pick last year, as was fellow senior Hannah King, who finished second on the team in extra-base hits last year with 18, racking up 14 doubles, two triples, and two homers. Among other returning players that Johnson will be looking to for both leadership and production are All-SCAC outfielder Faith Butler, as well as infielder Tessa Contreras and outfielder Corigan Beaird. Sophomore Ali Tobar, who spent her freshman season primarily at catcher, has the athleticism and versatility to contribute throughout the lineup this season.

The 'Roos welcome in a large freshman class this season as well, with multiple players expected to compete for playing time and starting spots immediately. The class, which includes Piper Landlau, McKinley Hankins, Havannah Holmes, Jadyn Myers, Macie Johnson, Emily Autrey, Ashlynn Brothers, and Reagan Brinkley, and junior transfers Genesis Forman, Kassidy Bradshaw, and Lauren Trott - who made 24 pitching appearances for SCAC foe St. Thomas before coming to Sherman - will also be counted on to help the 'Ros in their goal of returning to the conference tournament and potentially challenging for a SCAC title.

Austin College opens the year on the road at Hardin-Simmons, playing a doubleheader on February 1 beginning at 2:00 p.m.