Gaston College softball starts 2026 season with same high goals

Gaston College may be coming off a fourth-place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series, but coach Mike Steuerwald says his program's high expectations mean 2026 will begin with possibly higher expectations.

"Our goal is to compete for a national championship - and we talked about that in the team meeting last week," Steuerwald said of meeting with his team before they began practice drills for the 2026 season.
"I think we are very athletic and can be very deep, but we have to prove it on the field. And the goal is to be playing our best ball in April and May so we would be peaking during regionals, districts and, hopefully, another trip to the World Series."

Seven players return from the 63-5 team that set a school and Region 10 record for victories.

And the returnees have high hopes for season that opens Jan. 23 with a two-day tournament at Gordon State.

"The goal is absolutely the same if not even better," said sophomore pitcher/utility player Savanna Mullins. "We made fourth last year in the country. This year, we want to be third or more."

Added sophomore infielder Katelyn Brandon: "This team has a lot of grit. So, no matter what, we're going to play our hearts out. And I think this team has so much potential and we can go all the way back to the national championships."

When asked if the team that is stocked with 15 newcomers can reach its high goals, sophomore catcher/utility Arissa Duff responded emphatically: "Yessir. I think we do.
"We do have a bit of a target on our backs after finishing fourth in the country. But we want to finish first this year."

Mullins (17-2 record, 2.80 ERA in 26 games last season) and freshman Aidan Ledbetter (21-4 record, 0.83 ERA at Crest High School) emerged during fall drills as top pitchers.

Hinson (5-2 record, 1.83 ERA in 5 appearances last season) and second semester additions Tea Cornett (12-9, 3.41 ERA at Mars Hill), Charlee Kelly (8-4, 2.47 ERA at Lake Norman High School), Sophia Crist (12-5, 2.31 ERA at North Stanly High School) and Jamie Hearn (7-15, 2.73 ERA at St. Michael's College) give Steuerwald lost of pitching options.

"Tea Cornett and Charlee Kelly are going to add some depth in the circle along with Sophia Crist and Jamie Hearn," Steuerwald said. "I would say our pitching is probably deeper than its ever been."

The same can be said of the everyday lineup as well after another second semester addition - University of Indianapolis transfer shortstop Jaylyn Kopp.

"We're deeper and more flexible in our lineup than we've ever been," Steuerwald said. "It's up to us as a coaching staff to have them ready for a challenging schedule."

Hinson is confident she and her teammates will be ready.

"It feels good to get back on the field," she said. "I think our team did a great job over the break to stay with our workout drills and get better.
"The mindset coming back to practice is still the same: Come in, work hard and win."