Softball | 1/28/2026 11:09:03 AM
The beginning of the softball season is just days away, and the River States Conference is excited to preview the 2026 seasons for our member schools! Each RSC school talked with players and coaches from their teams, with those interviews linked below as part of Media Day!
Additionally, each school has spotlighted players expected to be major contributors during the 2026 campaign, and are also listed below as our 2026 Players to Watch!
BRESCIA
Players to Watch
Felicity Cunningham
So. | New Albany, Indiana | Pitcher/Third Base
Cunningham was Brescia's top pitcher during the 2025 season, posting a 7-6 record with a 3.29 earned run average. The Indiana native was consistently in the strike zone, walking just nine hitters in 87.1 innings.
Addy Harris
So. | White House, Tennessee | Catcher/Infield
Harris was in the lineup every day for the Bearcats in 2025, logging 109 at-bats across 38 games. The Tennessee native hit .321 for Brescia, scoring 13 runs and driving in 12 more.
IU COLUMBUS
Media Day
Players to Watch
Linnea Baldner
Sr. | Broomfield, Colorado | Outfield
Linnea Baldner is a difference-maker on both offense and defense. She’s a triple threat with speed to burn and possesses one of the largest defensive ranges her coaches have ever seen.
Mallory Shelton
Sr. | Bloomfield, Indiana | Catcher/First Base
A Third Team All-Conference selection, Mallory has been a cornerstone leader for IUC over the last three years. She provides elite power at the plate and holds a strong presence behind the dish.
IU SOUTHEAST
Media Day
Players to Watch
Kaitlyn Leister
Jr. | Greenwood, Indiana | Infield
Leiser was a First Team All-Conference selection for the Grenadiers a season ago. The Greenwood, Indiana native logged a .404 batting average for IU Southeast, scoring 26 runs and driving in 23. She reached base at a .447 clip, and posted a .515 slugging percentage.
Lizzy Leitgabel
Fr. | Rosedale, Indiana | Infield
Leitgabel is expected to be an impact newcomer for IU Southeast. The freshman infielder joins the roster following her high school career at Riverton Parke High School.
KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN
Players to Watch
Hannah Ison
Sr. | Richmond, Kentucky| Utility
Ison has been a mainstay in the Kentucky Christian lineup over the past three seasons, playing in 132 games since joining the Knights in 2023. Ison hit for the best average in her career as a junior, logging a batting average of .356, which included 12 extra base hits.
Kylie Mathes
Jr. | Corydon, Indiana | Outfield
Mathes was the one of the top players for KCU last season, ending her sophomore campaign with a .407 batting average. The Indiana native led the team in hits with 61, and finished second on the roster in runs scored.
MIDWAY
Media Day
Players to Watch
Randi Delong
So. | Martin, Kentucky | Infield
Delong had a team-high .453 batting average while also recording 12 home runs and 59 RBIs while playing for Walters State Community College in Tennessee.
Alli Jones
Fr. | Frankfort, Kentucky | Pitcher
Jones is expected to be a freshman standout for the Eagles. The freshman joins the college ranks after throwing 152 innings as a senior at Western Hills High School.
OAKLAND CITY
Players to Watch
Kinsly Heichelbech
Sr. | Lynnville, Indiana | Outfield
Heichelbech earned one of the at-large spots onto the First Team All-River States Conference last season. Heichelbech led the Mighty Oaks with a .346 batting average, and her 20 extra-base hits made her the lone Mighty Oak with a slugging percentage north of .500.
Hannah Wissel
Sr. | Evansville, Indiana | Shortstop
Wissel was one of the league's top players last season, earning First Team All-Conference honors in the infield. The Evansville native led Oakland City in hits (56) and runs scored (34), finishing the 2025 campaign with a .339 batting average.
RIO GRANDE
Players to Watch
Media Day
Nigella Reck
Jr. | Covington, Ohio | Utility
Reck was voted as the top new player in the River States Conference in 2025, earning Newcomer of the Year honors as well as First Team All-Conference recognition. Reck drove in 36 runs and scored 29 more for Rio Grande, and struck out just six times in 176 at-bats.
ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS
Media Day
Players to Watch
Hannah Boardman
Jr. | Clinton, Indiana | Catcher/First Base
A Third Team All–River States Conference selection, Boardman hit .326 with 30 hits, six home runs, and a team-high 29 RBIs while posting a .554 slugging percentage. Her power bat and defensive versatility at catcher and first base make her a premier player to watch this season.
Lanna Martinez
Sr. | Downey, California | Pitcher/First Base
A proven two-way standout, Martinez posted a 2.17 ERA with a 16–11 record across 47.0 innings in the circle while also hitting .367 with 79 hits, eight doubles, and 43 RBIs. Her production on both sides of the ball makes her one of SMWC’s top players to watch this season.
SHAWNEE STATE
Players to Watch
Jenna Christopher
Sr. | Huntington, West Virginia | Outfield
Christopher was a First Team All-RSC selection in 2025 at the utility position. She hit .331 with 40 runs scored and 19 runs batted in for the Bears.
Sierra Dunnagan
Jr. | Wilton, California | Infield/Catcher
In her sophomore season, Dunnagan was considered one of the top catchers in the league, earning First Team All-Conference honors. The California native hit above .400 for the second season in a row, logging a batting average of .414. She scored 38 runs for the Bears and drove in 35.
WVU TECH
Media Day
Players to Watch
Olivia Barnett
Sr. | Shady Spring, West Virginia | Third Base/Pitcher
During her career, Olivia has received RSC Player of the Week honors twice, and is a two-time All-Conference selection. Olivia has risen to the occasion, continuing to be exactly what her team needs- effective in the box, dependable on defense, and a strong leader.
Hailea Skeens
Sr. | Boone County, West Virginia | Shortstop
A multiple-time RSC Player of the Week and a Third Team All-Conference selection last season, Hailea led the the team in batting average last season and is a reliable presence in the middle infield. She brings big energy every day and continues to grow as a leader.