Wayne, Holmes County softball teams ready for 2026 season

Area softball teams enter the 2026 season with a range of experience, from veteran groups looking to contend for league titles to younger squads focused on growth and development.

Several programs return strong cores with postseason aspirations while others will lean on underclassmen and newcomers as they work to build consistency and compete throughout the spring.

Below are season previews for area teams:

Central Christian

Central Christian will rely on a young roster this spring as the Comets prepare for the 2026 season under fifth-year coach Juliane Kozel.

Central Christian finished 0-6 in league play last season, placing fourth. Kozel said this year’s team will look different with a large number of freshmen joining the program.

“We are a very young team this season,” Kozel said. “Over half the team is freshmen.”

Despite the youth, the Comets return several seniors expected to help lead the team this season including Adeline Aubrey at catcher, Mattea Nofziger at shortstop, Lilly Kindbom, Malayka Charleston and Annika Martin.

Central Christian also welcomes newcomer Annabell Combs, a freshman pitcher who could contribute in the circle this season.

Kozel said the team’s energy and enthusiasm should be a positive early in the season.

“We have a lot of good energy. The girls are all excited to be playing,” she said.

However, the team’s inexperience may present challenges early in the year as players adjust to varsity competition.

“We’ll be learning a lot this year, and our inexperience will be difficult to start,” Kozel said.

Dalton

Dalton is coming off a Division VI state semifinals berth and returns an experienced group that has played together at the varsity level for several seasons.

“Our varsity team is predominantly the same group since their freshman year,” third-year coach Rob Fiesler said. “There’s been some growing pains due to being so young competing at the varsity level. As juniors coming into their third year of varsity play, I feel their confidence and IQ levels will be higher than last season.”

The Bulldogs return 11 letter-winners including juniors Peyton Neiger (P/utility), Kenna Doty (C), Maya Wenger (OF), Sara Geibel (OF), Hannah Wenger (SS/CF), Lily Teague (3B), Addy Baer (3B/utility), Vayda Wilmoth (OF) and Mei Simmons (P/SS), along with sophomores Arabella Wenger (1B) and Skylar Fletcher (2B/P).

Newcomers include junior Jaedyn Yoder (OF) and freshmen Sydney Chubbuck (C), Payton Lind (utility) and Gracyn Gerry (P).

Fiesler said the team’s experience should help in difficult situations.

“Playing their third year of varsity, I expect their overall decision-making and game IQ in the tough times to be easier for them to handle,” Fiesler said.

Avoiding complacency will be a focus for the Bulldogs.

“Being complacent and assuming their successes will continue without sacrifice (is something) we discuss daily as the No. 1 reason good teams never become great,” Fiesler said. “Continuing to focus and work on the fundamentals each day, regardless of how good they are. I ask for 1% better each practice in the hopes this will not be our weakness this season.”

Dalton went 22-11 last season and finished 11-3 in the Wayne County Athletic League.

“Our league is always tough,” Fiesler said. “There are great teams and great coaching happening in the WCAL. We need to continue to be ahead of the curve and think outside the box to best our league opponents. We have very coachable girls, making the physical portion of the game easy. The true test is their ability to handle the mental side of preparation, focus and in-game hard times. How they handle that will be exactly where they finish in our league.”

Garaway

Garaway returns its entire roster from last season’s Div. VI state runner-up team and enters the 2026 season with high expectations after going 20-11 and winning both district and regional championships a year ago.

“Garaway softball had a special season in 2025,” coach Dennis Koshmider said. “We are in the unique position of returning 14 players from last year’s team including every starter. Every player on our team understands that what we accomplished last season will not win us a single game in 2026. Instead, each individual is focused on becoming fundamentally stronger than last season. If we accomplish this, Garaway will be a very good team in 2026.”

The Pirates expect defense and pitching to be their foundation as they look to build on last year’s success.

“Our offense needs to improve over last season, especially our decision-making on the bases,” Koshmider said. “Our players have worked hard in the offseason to improve their offensive skills.”

Returning letter-winners include seniors Harmony Clymer (P/1B), Klayah Glazer (1B), Zoe Jump (3B/C), Kayla Miller (LF) and Krista Miller (CF); juniors Jaylene Jimenez (3B), Audrey Miller (P/SS), Nadia Pope (DP/1B) and Ashley Yoder (OF); and sophomores Sofia Conner (C), Kyleigh LaCroix (RF), Molly Miller (OF), True Tango (SS) and Keaton Yoder (2B).

Garaway also adds promising newcomers Annabelle King and Landri Miller, both freshman pitchers who will add depth to the pitching staff.

Early in the season, the Pirates may need to navigate some challenges due to injuries.

“Garaway is dealing with some offseason injuries,” Koshmider said. “Other players will need to step into positions until we are at 100%.”

Garaway also expects to face strong competition in the Inter-Valley Conference South after finishing tied for third with a 6-6 league mark last season.

“The IVC South is a strong conference,” Koshmider said. “Tusky Valley returns their pitcher, Ohio State commit Brennan Reichman, to a team that won the district championship. Ridgewood was district champion. Indian Valley was district runner-up. Both Claymont and Sandy Valley return their core players from solid 2025 seasons. Hiland gets better each year. Win or lose, playing solid competition in the IVC South will help us become a better overall team.”

Orrville

Orrville returns a core group of players with varsity experience after finishing 0-19 overall and 0-12 in the Principals Athletic Conference last season.

Fourth-year coach Abby Reusser said the team will look different this year with more returning experience and a strong freshman class joining the roster.

The Red Riders return several players expected to contribute this season including seniors Laylah Evans and Mahlah Royes in the outfield. Junior Kailynn Gray returns at first base while junior Kate Lacy is back behind the plate at catcher. Junior Amaris Williams also returns in the outfield. Sophomore Allie Catrone returns at third base, and sophomore Alexa Khongphatthana adds versatility as a utility player.

Several freshmen also are expected to make an impact including Kaelyn Miller at pitcher, Mirienee Totten at shortstop, Emma Fitzgerald at second base and Addison Lilley in the outfield. Sophomore Peyton Slone also joins the outfield group.

Reusser said the team’s work ethic and willingness to improve will be key strengths this season.

“We have a good group of girls who are hardworking and coachable,” she said. “They work to get better every day and compete.”

At the same time, the Red Riders will work to overcome challenges that come with a younger roster.

“We are a young team with low numbers,” Reusser said.

Despite last season’s record, Reusser believes the team can be competitive throughout the schedule.

Smithville

Smithville returns most of its lineup after finishing 5-19 overall and 3-11 in the Wayne County Athletic League last season, tying for sixth place. Despite graduating only two seniors, fifth-year coach Katelyn Kinney said replacing those players will present a challenge.

“We only lost two seniors; however, they were our pitchers and shortstop,” Kinney said. “Both sides of the ball we have more experience now, so as our young pitchers gain confidence, we are looking to be able to better support them and be scrappy softball players.”

Several returning players are expected to help lead the Smithies this season including seniors Mackenzie Martinez in the outfield, Morgan Shutt at second base, and Kiersten Ross in the outfield and at catcher. Junior Ali Horst returns at shortstop while junior Lauren Kindy is back at first base. Sophomore returners include Greenly Burns at catcher and in the outfield, Reiley Evans at third base, and Maddie Hartzler in the outfield.

Smithville also will look for contributions from several newcomers including juniors Cora Baney (outfield, catcher), Carly Curtis (outfield), Alyssa Rettig (pitcher) and Ayla Schar (utility); sophomores Emily Marty (pitcher) and Katie Miller (outfield, catcher); and freshman pitcher Addy Maxymiv.

Kinney said the team’s defense should be a strength with most starters returning.

“Defensively, we have a majority of our starters back so are looking to really cut down on errors from previous years and help our young pitchers,” she said.

Pitching experience will be an early focus as younger players take on larger roles in the circle.

“Pitching will be young, so it may take time as they settle in and gain confidence,” Kinney said.

In the WCAL race, Kinney expects strong competition again this season.

“Hillsdale and Dalton should be a fight again for the top, but Norwayne is always a frontrunner you can’t count out,” she said. “We are hoping to go four or five this season if our bats can carry into games like they have been in practice.”

Triway

Triway returns a strong core of seven letter-winners from last season’s 18-7 team that finished second in the Principals Athletic Conference at 10-2. Coach Ron Rock, in his 15th season, brings back a group with more experience and added depth compared to a year ago.

“Last season we had four returning letter-winners,” Rock said. “This year we return seven letter-winners with a lot of options to choose from, both the JV roster and incoming freshmen, to fill voids in our lineup.”

Triway expects experience, leadership and pitching depth to be major strengths this season.

“Last year we had two inexperienced varsity pitchers,” Rock said. “This year those two come in with a year under their belts, plus we have two from last year's JV team who have shown vast improvements and an incoming freshman who will push for mound time as well.”

Returning letter-winners include Myah Lester (senior, third base), Jesse Starr (senior, catcher), Alayna Perman (senior, outfield), Alexis Long (junior, pitcher/shortstop), Marissa Anderson (junior, outfield), Sydney Schumacher (sophomore, outfield) and Madalynn Moran (sophomore, pitcher/first base).

Promising newcomers include Rylyn Ash (junior, utility), Alexa Haddad (junior, utility), Bethany George (junior, utility/pitcher) and Elena Hilty (freshman, pitcher/utility).

Rock said the team may need time early in the season to adjust as players take on new roles.

“Although experienced in varsity play, some kids will be asked to play different roles and positions this season at any given time,” he said. “They're going to have to adapt quickly and transition possibly multiple times during a game.”

Rock believes Triway will be in the mix for the league title.

“I think Triway will definitely compete for the top spot in our league,” he said. “Manchester, even after graduating their senior pitcher, always puts a competitive team together. Then you'll need to put Tuslaw in the mix also.”

Waynedale

Waynedale returns a veteran core as the Golden Bears look to improve on last year’s finish in the Wayne County Athletic League.

“We return a core of seasoned leadership complemented by a dynamic mix of youthful athleticism and explosive talent,” fourth-year coach Jamie Lynch said. “This team is built around strong pitching, consistent offense, speed on the bases and sound defensive execution.

“Our goal is to put a team on the field capable of shutting down opposing offenses while consistently generating runs. While we faced challenges last season producing offense against elite pitching, this year’s group has the potential to find success by putting the ball in play and consistently collecting bases.”

Returning letter-winners include seniors Madi Miller, Carleigh Lynch, Ashtyn Miller and Brooke Compston; junior Mava Craft; and sophomores Izabella Grassman and Amelia Gorfi.

The Golden Bears also add sophomore Braylee Gatti and freshmen Kylie Snyder, Lani Troyer, Payton Berg, Addison Goad and Gabby Troyer.

Lynch expects the team to be solid on both sides of the ball.

“Defensively, we expect to be strong behind veteran pitching and sound, reliable play at every position,” Lynch said. “Offensively, we anticipate consistent contact throughout the lineup, paired with overall team speed that allows us to pressure defenses and create scoring opportunities.”

Adjusting early in the season could be a challenge.

“Like most teams early in the season, limited live field time due to weather may lead to some initial defensive adjustments,” Lynch said. “With a schedule that is front-loaded with games, we expect our players to adapt quickly. While talented, we are a younger team in several key areas, and gaining game experience early will be important to our continued growth.”

Waynedale finished 12-13 last season and placed fifth in the Wayne County Athletic League with a 7-7 record.

“The WCAL remains seriously good with traditional top-notch pitching and hitting that seem to have teams that represent in the district and regional year after year,” Lynch said. “This year would be no exception. Should we play to our full potential, I envision keeping pace with the top-tier teams in our league and achieving our goals of besting the previous year’s results.”

West Holmes

West Holmes enters the season looking to take a step forward after finishing 8-16 overall and 4-8 in Ohio Cardinal Conference play a year ago, but first-year coach Shannon Fogle believes a more experienced and disciplined group could make that jump.

With nine letter-winners returning, the Knights will rely heavily on veteran leadership, particularly from seniors Zalina Proper (center field) and Briar Cline (pitcher/shortstop). Proper, a Findlay University commit, anchors the outfield while Cline, a Walsh University commit, is expected to play a key role both in the circle and at shortstop.

“We expect to be a better prepared, better disciplined, and a more aggressive and competitive team,” Fogle said.

West Holmes brings back a balanced roster that includes juniors Emma Miller (first base/catcher), Payton Hudson (outfield), Landry Croskey (catcher) and Kyle Miller (shortstop/pitcher), along with sophomores Gabby Fowler (pitcher/shortstop), Mari Patterson (outfield/second base) and Trinity Ramseyer (outfield).

A group of freshmen including Zoe Walter (third base), Payson Dial (catcher), Jocelyn Olney (outfield), Mattie Shankel (second base/outfield/pitcher) and Shelby Sampsel (first base) also could make an impact as the season progresses.

Pitching is expected to be a strength, with multiple options available in the circle. Offensively, Fogle expects a lineup capable of producing in a variety of ways.

Early in the season, the Knights may face some growing pains at the plate as they adjust to live pitching.

“It will take us time to get consistent at timing up live pitching,” Fogle said.

Still, with a strong returning core and added depth, West Holmes is aiming to climb the standings.

“We hope to finish in the top half of the conference,” Fogle said.

Wooster

Wooster finished 8-20 overall and 4-8 in the Ohio Cardinal Conference last season and returns a solid group of experienced players heading into the 2026 campaign.

Coach Jimmy Williams, now in his third season with the program, said the team combines returning experience with a talented freshman class.

“Collectively, this group has played a highly competitive travel ball schedule and comes in with regional and national level softball experience,” Williams said. “We have as deep of a pitching staff as we’ve had in years with three returning letter-winners in the circle and two incoming freshman pitchers.”

Returning players include seniors Ella Karger (pitcher), Ella Nelson (catcher) and Savanah Schaad (outfield), along with juniors Sydney McAfoos (pitcher/first base), Mckenzie Dorris (utility) and Allie Murzin (outfield) and sophomore Brielle Burchett (pitcher/middle infield).

Pitching depth is expected to be a key strength for the Generals.

“Our depth at pitching will be our greatest asset with five pitchers that all have their own unique identities as pitchers,” Williams said. “We have an exciting combination of speed and power at the plate, and we’ll have a solid defensive group making plays in the field.”

Wooster could rely on several freshmen early in the season, which Williams said could present challenges but also opportunity. Promising newcomers include Avery Williams (pitcher/outfield), Kayla Reid (pitcher/middle infield), Grace Hawkins (third base) and Averee Karazsia (catcher).

“We will be young,” Williams said. “While we are returning seven letter-winners, we expect our incoming freshman class to compete for a lot of varsity innings. But top to bottom, we have a lot of grit on this team, and we expect to compete with anyone.”

The OCC will again be a difficult league to navigate.

“The OCC is arguably the toughest conference in the state, and it just got tougher this year with the addition of Dover, who are the defending Div. III state champions,” Williams said. “We expect to compete in the upper half of the conference this year and expect to surprise a lot of teams.”