GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's softball squad enjoyed unprecedented success over the last two seasons, winning consecutive Midwest Conference Tournament titles and earning a pair of trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
 
And though the Pioneers graduated several players from last season's team, the squad features some key returnees and a talented batch of newcomers.
 
The team opens its campaign Sunday at the Millikin Tournament in Decatur, Ill.
 
Here is a look at the 2025 Pioneer squad:
 
Catcher
Anne Becker '26, Leanna Guerra '28 and Lexi Herrick '28 are options at the catcher spot for the Pioneers. "Our catching staff if young this year, but they are working hard to know our pitchers," said Grinnell coach Lexy Determan. "They will be scrappy behind the plate and I'm excited to see how that translates to the college game."
 
Pitcher
The team features four pitchers in Lane Kohler '25, Emma Trani '26, Elise Strohm '28 and Ella Young '28. Trani had a miniscule ERA of 1.48 while going 4-0 and striking out 20 batters, while Kohler posted a 4.47 ERA and fanned 10 batters. "Our pitching staff brings a good mix of experience and different strengths," said Determan. "We've been in conversations about how we can use their strengths to be most successful."
 
Infield
All-MWC performer Hannah Dykstra '25 is one of three senior returnees along with Jasmine Oda '25 and Sofia DiCarlo '25. Dykstra was second on the team last season with a .410 batting average along with 41 RBIs and seven homers. Oda hit .304 with 28 RBIs and DiCarlo added a .300 average and 14 RBIs. Others in the mix are Nicolette Parrott '26, Elyse Pender '27 and Kala Bisterfeldt '28. "The infield is where our experience lies," said Determan. "We're going to rely on them to help navigate the team and guide the underclassmen surrounding them. Offensively, this group will be tough throughout the lineup."
 
Outfield
The outfield features Bella Nesbeth '26, Lindsey Schultz '27, Asianah Gostyla '28 and Kayla O'Malley '28. "We have a lot of speed in our outfield, which will help us offensively and defensively," said Determan. "Although we'll be young, this group will be scrappy."
 
Overall
"Although we have a lot of new faces on the field, we still have very high expectations," said Determan. "We have a good foundation on which to build upon the success over the last few years. I'm excited how our upperclassmen help in the transition moving forward."