Ricky Bumgardner Jr. | 1.10.2026
Lakeland College Softball 2026 Season Preview: Muskies Poised for Another Strong Run
Lakeland University Softball enters the 2026 NCAA Division III season looking to get back to their success in 2024 by making some noise in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). With returning talent, a dynamic new coaching energy, and a tough schedule ahead, the Muskies are primed to build on their recent success.
2025 Season in Review
In 2025, Lakeland posted a 22-20 overall record and finished 13-11 in NACC play.
Under first-year head coach Kayla Bryant, hired in August 2024, the program continued its upward trajectory. Bryant brought collegiate coaching experience from Mount Marty University and a track record of winning teams, giving the Muskies a fresh but steady hand leading the dugout.
While Lakeland fell in the NACC Tournament to the #3 Seeded Benedictine University 7-2, 2026 is built on getting back to the Championship Game.
Key Returners and Impact Players
The Muskies return several pivotal contributors from their historic 2025 squad:
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Maddie Raske (Jr.) – The Junior outfielder (.371 average, .907 OPS) was among the team’s top hitters last season
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Lexi Howard (So.) – With a .370 batting average and team-leading .960 OPS in 2025, Howard’s bat is a core part of the Muskies’ offense.
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Sydney Meyer (Sr.) – A key infielder (.336 average), Meyer’s reliability at the plate and in the field remains vital.
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Carlie Morrow (Sr.) and Reyna Rupnow (Jr.) also return, bringing veteran presence and depth to the Muskies’ lineup.
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In addition to their on-field success, five Muskies were recognized for academic excellence with College Sports Communicators (CSC) All-District honors, including August, Sydney Meyer, Raske, Reyna Rupnow, and pitcher/outfielder Melanie Watters.
Coaching and Culture: Building a Consistent Contender
Coach Kayla Bryant enters her second year leading the Muskies with experience from collegiate coaching ranks and a clear vision for the future. Her emphasis on player development and fundamentals has already helped Lakeland reach new heights.
Bryant and her staff have focused on creating a culture grounded in resilience, teamwork, and consistency — key traits for success in the rigorous NACC schedule.
2026 Outlook and Expectations
Looking ahead, the Muskies’ 2026 season centers on taking the next step: turning regular-season success into deep postseason runs. Key areas to watch include:
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Consistent Offensive Production: With a lineup led by Raske, Howard, August, and Meyer, Lakeland’s ability to score in clutch moments will determine how far they go in the conference and beyond.
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Pitching Development: Depth in the pitching staff — including contributions from senior leadership and emerging arms — will be critical against NACC’s top hitters.
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Defense and Fundamentals: Success in close games often comes down to defense and situational execution — areas Coach Bryant emphasizes heavily.
The NACC remains a deep and competitive conference, with teams like Dominican University and Aurora University consistently near the top of the standings. But Lakeland’s blend of returning talent, coaching continuity, and young contributors positions them well to fight for a top spot once again.
Why Lakeland Softball is Worth Watching
Lakeland’s rise isn’t a one-year story — it’s a program building sustained success. From school-record wins to academic recognition and conference contention, the Muskies exemplify the best of Division III softball: competitive spirit, student-athlete balance, and growth.
As the 2026 season begins, Lakeland fans should expect a team that battles every inning, values fundamentals, and continues to climb. This program — rooted in discipline and driven by talented players and smart coaching — is one to watch as DIII softball continues to grow.
The Muskies gear up for a huge Florida Trip as they head to Viera, FL to face some great competition at the Space Coast Spring Games.
Click Here for the Muskies Full Schedule