KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Truman State University softball enters the 2026 season with momentum and high expectations as head coach Ron Ferrill begins his fourth season at the helm of the program. The Bulldogs were picked eighth in the preseason Great Lakes Valley Conference coaches' poll, receiving 104 points, and welcome first-year assistant coach Josie Buhr to the staff.
Ferrill looks to build on a successful 2025 campaign that saw the Bulldogs finish 26-25 overall and 14-14 in GLVC play, showcasing one of the conference's most potent offenses with a .327 team batting average.
Experienced Core Returns
The Bulldogs bring back a veteran-laden roster featuring several key contributors from last season's squad. Leading the way is senior outfielder Emily Wood, who earned First Team All-GLVC honors in 2025 after posting a .399 batting average with 22 doubles, four triples, and seven home runs while driving in 45 RBI. Her .722 slugging percentage and 16 stolen bases demonstrated her ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Wood also excelled defensively, posting a .989 fielding percentage in the outfield.
Senior infielder Cassie Smith returns after earning Second Team All-GLVC honors in 2025. Smith led the team with a .418 batting average, recording 74 hits including 13 doubles, four triples, and a home run. Smith added 22 stolen bases in 30 attempts and provided solid defense with a .979 fielding percentage. Her ability to get on base (.435 OBP) and create havoc on the basepaths makes her a catalyst at the top of the lineup.
Sophomore utility player Avaree Taylor returns as a two-way threat after earning Second Team All-GLVC honors in 2025. Taylor hit .338 with 11 doubles, three home runs, and 33 RBI while also contributing on the mound with a 2-4 record in 16 appearances, demonstrating her versatility and value to the program.
Junior catcher Kyleia Salyars returns after a solid 2025 season in which she hit .311 with five doubles and 14 RBI. Salyars showcased her defensive prowess with a .995 fielding percentage and threw out five of 50 attempted base stealers. Her game-calling ability and rapport with the pitching staff make her an invaluable asset.
Junior infielder Maddie Hickman hit .317 in 2025 with seven doubles, three triples, and 19 RBI while posting a .969 fielding percentage. Her consistency in the middle infield provides a strong defensive foundation for the Bulldogs.
Junior infielder Sofia Birkenholz and junior catcher Abbie Danchus return to provide depth and experience to the roster.
Pitching Staff Looks to Build
On the mound, senior Lydia Feiste returns after posting a 7-4 record with a 4.33 ERA in 30 appearances (six starts) in 2025. Feiste logged 89 innings and struck out 43 batters while earning two saves. Her experience and versatility will be key for the Bulldogs' pitching rotation.
Senior Brooke Nutter returns to the circle after limited action in 2025, providing additional depth to the staff. Junior Charlotte Chellich comes back after posting a 7-9 record with a 4.42 ERA in 30 appearances (13 starts), striking out 65 batters in 76 innings while earning two saves. Her ability to miss bats makes her a valuable weapon in the rotation.
Fresh Faces Join the Program
The Bulldogs welcome several newcomers who will look to make an immediate impact. Freshmen Riley Redig (Fairfax, Iowa), Paige Branstetter (Frontenac, Missouri), Katie Pilcher (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), and Raegan Randall (Republic, Missouri) join the program and will compete for playing time across multiple positions.
Sophomore Shanna Buford arrives from Indian Hills Community College, while sophomore Camryn Kinsella saw limited action in 2025 and will look to expand her role. Sophomore Madison Kluever transfers in from Des Moines Area Community College to add depth to the roster.
Junior Jayda Long joins the program from Iowa Central Community College, bringing experience as both a pitcher and infielder. Her dual-threat ability will provide valuable depth and versatility to the roster.
Junior Lily Arndt returns after starting 44 of 47 games in 2025, primarily playing in the infield. She demonstrated her speed with two stolen bases and her defensive versatility will continue to be a valuable asset to the lineup.
Junior Cali Coombs joins the outfield mix, while junior Ella Florey arrives from College of Saint Xavier to bolster the infield depth.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs face a challenging GLVC schedule, with University of Indianapolis picked as the preseason favorite after winning their fourth conference tournament championship and advancing to the NCAA Midwest Super Regional. Drury, McKendree, and Lewis round out the top four in the preseason poll, with Illinois Springfield and Maryville also expected to contend.
With a potent offense led by Wood and Smith, improved pitching depth, and an influx of talented newcomers, Ferrill and his staff have the pieces in place to compete for a GLVC Tournament berth. The experience and leadership of the senior class, combined with the development of younger players, positions Truman State to build on last season's success and make noise in the conference race.
The Bulldogs' season is set to begin in the coming weeks as they play a number of tournaments on the road around the Midwest this early Spring. Eventually, they will return to Kirksville for the home opener against McKendree in a doubleheader on March 14th starting at noon.
#BulldogNation
