ATHENS, Ga. – The 2026 Georgia Softball season kicks off this weekend, marking an exciting year for the Bulldogs as they play their 30th season in Athens under head coach Tony Baldwin.
Season Overview
This year’s team features 12 returning players from last season’s Super Regional squad. However, it has a youthful vibe, with 13 out of 24 athletes being freshmen or sophomores.
Emily Digby will once again anchor the infield at shortstop. After starting 57 games last year, she achieved a .299 batting average, hitting .500 during the NCAA Tournament. Tyler Ellison, a senior, will take on second base duties, maintaining a solid batting average of .273. Freshman Mua Williams secured a starting spot at third, though buoyed by the arrival of Texas Tech transfer Bailey Lindemuth, who offers impressive stats with a .395 average and 50 hits last season. Also joining the infield is Keirstin Roose, who previously played at Coastal Carolina and boasted a stellar season with a .368 average, hitting 15 home runs.
In the outfield, expect to see veterans Jaydyn Goodwin and Sarah Gordon leading the way. Goodwin had a standout year with 65 hits and 12 home runs last season, while Gordon drove in 48 RBIs. Freshman Natalie Donaldson and transfers like Delani Sullivan will also be key players.
Behind the plate, seniors Marisa Miller and Gordon ensure solid defense. Miller had an impressive .996 fielding percentage and led the SEC in caught stealings.
On the pitching front, Randi Roelling returns after a respectable first season with a 3.53 ERA. Alongside her, right-handed pitcher Destin Howard looks to increase her game time. Two new transfers, Addisen Fisher from UCLA and Maddie Johnson from Georgia Southern, promise to bolster the pitching lineup. Fisher, who ranked highly in her freshman campaign, even earned recognition at the WBSC U-18 World Cup.
Preseason Rankings
The Bulldogs are making a strong impression in the preseason rankings:
- NFCA/GoRout Division 1 Coaches Poll: 20
- ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25: 15
- D1Softball Poll: 17
- Softball America Poll: 15
Several players have also received individual recognition, including Addisen Fisher, who is part of the USA Softball Player of the Year watch list, and Jaydyn Goodwin, ranked among the top outfielders.
SEC Outlook
In a recent vote, Texas was pegged to finish first in the SEC standings this season. Georgia placed eighth, giving them motivation to prove the skeptics wrong.
Here’s a quick look at the predicted standings:
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Florida
- Arkansas
- Texas A&M
- LSU
- Georgia
- Alabama
- South Carolina
- Mississippi State
- Auburn
- Ole Miss
- Missouri
- Kentucky
National TV Coverage
The Bulldogs are set for nine national broadcasts this season, enhancing their visibility. Key matchups include games against Oklahoma State and Texas.
This years’ Georgia softball team shows promise with its blend of fresh talent and seasoned players. As they take the field, fans can expect a season filled with excitement, energy, and competitive spirit.
For updates, follow UGA softball on social media and visit GeorgiaDogs.com for the latest information.
