The Ferris State University softball squad enters the 2026 campaign with increased expectations following a trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament a year ago.
Last spring, head coach Jake Schumann led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 2013. The Bulldogs' 28 wins last year represented the program's most in a decade.
A strong roster returns for 2026 with the Bulldogs slated to begin their 56-game regular season slate this week in Florida. FSU will make several trips during the early non-conference portion of the slate, including two trips to Florida, two trips to Illinois and a trip to South Carolina.
Headlining the list of returnees is two-time All-Midwest Region honoree Alexis Kozlowski, who ranks among the country’s top performers. She is one of four returning all-conference players for the Bulldogs with the list also including second baseman Jadyn Joseph, pitcher Cecelia Bell and outfielder Emma Gillard.
The Bulldogs also inked a strong incoming recruiting class that includes two Michigan Division 3 Miss Softball honorees. Overall, a total of seven FSU freshmen in the recruiting class of 2025 garnered all-state laurels on the prep level a year ago.
Ferris State will open the 2026 campaign in Daytona Beach this weekend, playing a total of five games Friday thru Sunday (Jan. 30-Feb. 1) at the Embry-Riddle Invitational.
