Bethune-Cookman Softball kicks off its 2026 season at the USF-Rawlings Invitational in Tampa, Florida. The Wildcats will compete against strong opponents like Illinois State, South Florida, Kansas, Michigan, and the sixth-ranked Florida Gators. Senior outfielder Emma Bradley-Tse, a key player with strong past performance, leads a roster featuring 70% freshmen, while also striving to compensate for a significant loss in offensive production from the previous year.

By the Numbers
  • 62% of last season's RBI production needs to be replaced.
  • 70% of the current roster consists of 17 freshmen.
State of Play
  • Bethune-Cookman is ranked fourth in the SWAC Preseason Poll.
  • The Wildcats have a challenging schedule against multiple ranked teams.
What's Next

The Wildcats' immediate challenge lies in improving their team cohesion and performance, especially with the majority of the team being newcomers. They aim to establish a solid footing against their opponents in the tournament, setting the tone for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line

As the Wildcats embark on their new season, integrating a large freshman class and recovering from a loss of key offensive players will be crucial. Strong performances in the opening tournament could determine their trajectory for the season.