After a 39-8 record, a conference championship and a second-consecutive trip to the NCAA Super Regionals, the UW-Whitewater softball team enters 2026 with experience, depth and a clear sense of motivation.
The Warhawks captured the regular season title in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and advanced through the NCAA Regionals last spring, including wins over Penn College and Case Western Reserve University (Ohio), before their season ended in the Super Regionals against Saint Mary’s University (Minnesota). The early exit on the national stage lingered with returning players through the offseason.
“There’s definitely motivation from how last year ended,” junior pitcher Josie Hammen said. “We were proud of what we accomplished, but we know we were capable of more. I think that’s been the biggest thing coming into this year.”
UW-Whitewater returns 16 players from last season’s roster, including three experienced pitchers: senior Brooke Hock and juniors Madi DeBennette and Hammen. That continuity in the circle gives the Warhawks a foundation of stability as they work 11 freshmen into the lineup.
The pitching staff’s focus has been on consistency and trust.
“We all have confidence in whoever is in the circle,” Hammen said. “It is about attacking hitters, limiting free bases and trusting our defense behind us. When we’re playing clean softball, we’re tough to beat.”
Senior outfielder Bella Eggert also returns after a strong season in which she contributed on both sides of the ball. With a veteran core back in the lineup, Eggert believes the team’s chemistry will determine how far it can go.
“We talk about ‘we over me’ all the time,” Eggert said. “It is not about one person carrying the team. It is about everyone embracing their roles and doing what the team needs to succeed that day.”
The Warhawks’ roster presents an interesting dynamic with experienced returners who have played deep into May paired with a sizable freshmen class adjusting to the college level. The upperclassmen have taken responsibility for setting the tone early.
“A lot of us know what it takes to compete in the WIAC,” Eggert said. “It’s intense every single series. We’re trying to show the freshmen that it’s about the little things: energy in the dugout, communication on defense, staying focused during every pitch.”
The WIAC remains one of the most competitive conferences in Division III, and UW-Whitewater understands there is little margin for error. Every conference matchup carries postseason implications. The team’s experience should help in tight situations.
“We’ve been in those pressure games,” Hammen said. “We know what it feels like when every inning matters. I think that experience helps you stay calm and play your game.”
The Warhawks’ overall depth stands out heading into the season.
“I feel that everyone has a certain strength that they bring to this team, and it will be our goal to utilize all those strengths,” Volk said.
That collective approach aligns with the culture the players continue to emphasize. For Eggert, success this season is more than repeating last year’s accomplishments.
“Of course, we want to win the conference and make another run,” she said. “But for us, success is being connected and playing for each other. When we do that, everything else follows.”
With veteran leadership in the circle, production returning to the lineup and a hunger fueled by last year’s finish, the Warhawks enter 2026 positioned to contend once again. The foundation has already been built. Now UW-Whitewater is focused on taking the next step and finishing the job.
