SPOKANE, Wash. – A new era of Whitworth University softball begins this weekend with the start of the 2026 season, and the group hopes for a step forward under a new leader. 

The Pirates struggled a season ago, finishing 6-32 overall, their lowest win total since a 5-29 season in 2002. Their 6-22 Northwest Conference record resulted in seventh place.

This season, Bill Baber, a coach with more than 350 career victories to his name at NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA levels, takes over as head coach. Baber spent the last 22 seasons at California Baptist University, where he served 10 years as head coach, four seasons as associate head coach, and eight seasons as an assistant.

Baber hopes to apply the same approaches that resulted in a NAIA national championship and a National Christian College Athletics Association championship to the Pirate squad.

"I think working very hard but having a good time is what helped us be successful" he said. "To win it takes a lot of work, but you have to enjoy it while you are doing it."

The hard work has been long in the process for the Bucs, who have 13 new players and 14 returners on the roster.

On the infield, senior Lizzy Bradford and sophomore Megan Highfill will both make appearances behind the plate. The pair hopes to replace the impact of Taylor Hofheins and Kelly Hruza, who graduated last spring.

The rest of the infield positions may be up for grabs as numerous players could have a big impact. Junior transfer Raegan Hofheins and senior Reagan Ellis are set for big roles. Sophomores Natalie Singer and Camryn Sage join first-years Landri Nakano, Tessa Hahn and Brynn Erdmann as those in the mix. Junior transfer Reagan Graham may also compete for a spot at first base along with Sage.

Sophomore Kendel Sage, who led the team in hits (26) last season, returns to lead the outfield group. Makena Hofford and Addi Bale also return, with first-year Aubrey Bauer potentially set for a big role as well.

In the circle, senior Teeghan Reams returns to lead a retooled pitching staff that graduated three players last season. Junior transfers Lina Schwippert and Madison Sanchez are poised for impactful roles in their first season at Whitworth. Senior Trinity Miller may be in the mix alongside junior transfer Jayden Gagner, junior Madilyn Cannady and junior Natalie Beckwith.  

With many new faces and moving pieces, solidifying a cultural foundation will play a big role in how far this team can go.

"We have been working on a culture that builds respect and support for each other. To play for each other and for our Lord," said Baber.

Baber hopes the team's family atmosphere comes with a mentality shift heading into the season.

"We are changing the mindset to be positive and have confidence that they can all be successful if they work together as a team," he said.

The Pirates open the 2026 season with a road trip to Texas to play doubleheaders against Southwestern on Saturday, Trinity on Sunday, and Texas A&M San Antonio on Tuesday (Feb. 24).  Whitworth opens NWC play at Lewis & Clark on March 7-8 and returns to Diana Marks Field on March 14-15 against George Fox.