8 Teams to Know Outside the Softball America Top 25
Earlier on Monday, Softball America released its preseason Top 25 poll for the 2025 season. While these eight teams didn’t make that initial Top 25 selection, everyone should keep their eyes on them.
Indiana
The Hoosiers returned most of their lineup including Taylor Minnick, Sarah Stone and Avery Parker, which led the Big Ten in multiple offensive categories. They also added former Ohio State standout Melina Wilkison. If Indiana can find quality pitching behind Brianna Copeland, it’ll win a lot of games.
South Carolina
The Gamecocks are coming off another postseason appearance but this is a much different roster. South Carolina alum Ashley Chastain takes over the program and brings over a large amount of her Charlotte team which was very successful last season. The SEC is a different animal, but Arianna Rodi, Ella Chancey and others had plenty of success against one of the toughest non-conference slates in 2024.
Oregon
Oregon graduated a lot from last year’s team. Although, this pitching staff has the potential to be very good. Elise Sokolsky and Taylour Spencer flashed last year for the Ducks and they added Lyndsey Grein (Virginia Tech) and Staci Chambers (Cal State Fullerton) through the transfer portal. The offense will rely more on speed, especially with Kai Luschar at the top of the order.
Clemson
Valerie Cagle and McKenzie Clark have exhausted their eligibility but the Tigers still have talented players. Infielders Maddie Moore, Alex Brown and Julia Knowler will be the core of the offense. Transfer pitchers Reese Basinger and Brook Melnychuk will carry a heavy amount of the innings.
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Stanford
The Cardinal won’t have NiJaree Canady, a very vast change in Palo Alto. Stanford does welcome talented freshman pitcher Zoe Prystajko and is hoping sophomore Alyssa Houston takes a leap in her progression. Taryn Kern, Emily Jones, River Mahler, Ava Gall and Jade Berry will need to shoulder a bigger load on the offensive side.
FAU
The Owls made their first postseason appearance in nearly a decade last season. The program continues to make strides under Jordan Clark and she’s been one of the best using the transfer portal to shape her roster. Expect FAU to have another quality pitching staff with Gabby Sacco, Ainsley Lambert and Queens transfer Autumn Courtney
Notre Dame
First-year head coach and longtime assistant Kris Ganeff believes Notre Dame underperformed last season. And while the Irish did graduate a handful of starters, this roster has taken on a new mentality heading into the 2025 season. Addison Amaral is one of the best players returning from the ACC.
Kentucky
The Wildcats are a bit of a mystery bag this season. There is no Erin Coffel, no Stephanie Schoonover and countless other multi-year starters. Nevertheless, Rachel Lawson really likes this group. They don’t feel like they have expectations as many are in new roles. Look for freshman utility Allison Blum to make an impact right away.
