GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's softball squad has enjoyed plenty of success in recent years, and the 2026 Pioneer team is looking to continue that trend.
 
Last year's Pioneer squad finished second in the Midwest Conference Tournament while posting a 9-7 mark in regular-season league play.
 
Here is a look at the 2026 team:
 
Catcher
The team features returnees Leanna Guerra '28 (.264 batting average, 9 doubles, 24 RBIs), Lexi Herrick '28 (.235 batting average, 4 doubles, 21 RBIs) and Asianah Gostyla '28, as well as newcomer Ava Araujo '29. "We're bringing back some good experience from last year," said Grinnell coach Lexy Determan. "They've been pushing themselves hard, and now that they know what the college game looks like they are improving in some areas identified from last year. Anne Becker '26, who is injured, has been a great resource for them."
 
Pitcher
Pitchers include returnees Emma Trani '26 (7.25 ERA, 45 strikeouts) and Elise Strohm '28 (6.22 ERA), as well as newcomers Emma Skibbie '29 and Meghan Harcus '29. "Our pitchers are all competitors, so I'm looking to see how that translates onto the field," said Determan. "Our mix of youth and experience has been fun to watch. We'll be able to keep batters off-balance with a good mix from each of them."
 
Infield
This group includes returnees Nicolette Parrott '26 (.240 batting average), Elyse Pender '27 (.257 batting average, 17 RBIs) and Kala Bisterfeldt '28 (.264 batting average, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBIs) along with newcomers Gabriella Simon '29, Zoë Salazar '29 and Emily Gonzalez '29. "A lot of new people will be joining our returning players this season, and it's been exciting watching them communicate at practice," said Determan. "They're all gritty defenders, which should carry over into games."
 
Outfield
The outfield consists of returnees Bella Nesbeth '26, Lindsey Schultz '27 (.336 average, 3 doubles, 3 triples, 19 RBIs) and All-MWC performer Kayla O'Malley '28 (.367 batting average, 10 doubles, 7 triples, 7-of-7 stolen bases, 16 RBIs), plus newbies Julia Marquez '29 and Sophia Henao-Piña
'29. "We have a lot of experience in the outfield," said Determan. "It was fun watching them grow together and push each other last year, and it'll be exciting to welcome the first-years out there, as well."
 
Overall
Determan, who added that numerous players may fill roles other than those mentioned, said 2026 will be an interesting season. "We started this year with a different level of focus that I look forward seeing translate into games," she said. "We're bringing back valuable experience that will allow us to work through setbacks in a productive way. I expect us to contend for a high conference finish."