NCAA Softball 2023 Season Preview

The NCAA’s Michella Chester talks all things D1Softball with Tara Henry as we count down to the 2023 season.

Georgia Tech head coach Aileen Morales joins the D1Softball Podcast this week. Season 3 is presented Bat Club USA.

AUX is trading palm trees for deep dish, with the second season of the pro softball competition moving from San Diego to Chicago.

The Smash It Sports Vipers of Women’s Professional Fastpitch announced they will be based in Oxford, Alabama at Choccolocco Park Signature Softball Stadium.

Northwestern still has Danielle Williams as the Wildcats chase back-to-back WCWS trips, but the rest of the Big Ten has a lot to offer the champs.

UCLA appears to be the favorite heading into the season. What other Pac-12 teams can challenge the Bruins? Find out in the Pac-12 Preview

On Tuesday, the American Collegiate League announced the addition of the Vegas Collegiate League. Its the fourth regional league to join the ACL, along with Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL), Music City Collegiate League (MCCL) and Heartland Collegiate League (HCL).

Ohio State’s Sam Hackenbracht was given a 50-50 chance to live after being diagnosed with cancer at 18 months. Not only did she survive, she’s thrived as one of the top players in college softball.

Florida State is hoping to remain on top of a much deeper Atlantic Coast Conference field. The Noles should be motivated by an uncharacterically early postseason exit.

D1Softball revealed its preseason Top 25 earlier in the week, but there are several more teams with ranking potential. Here are 10 More Teams to Watch.

Clemson Head Coach John Rittman joins the D1Softball Podcast this week. Season 3 is presented Bat Club USA.

Women’s Professional Fastpitch held its first expansion draft on Monday, with former college stars finding homes with the league’s two new franchises.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are still loaded, national finalist Texas wants to prove it can start how it finished and a deeper league means there will be no easy weekends in the Big 12.

Florida and Arkansas start the 2023 season at the top of the always-stacked SEC, which has plenty of contenders and intrigue in store as usual.

Two-time defending champion Oklahoma is the unanimous No. 1 in the D1Softball Top 25, and veteran aces are worth their weight in gold for teams trying to dethrone the Sooners.

On paper, the Stanford roster looks almost identical as the Super Regional team. However, head coach Jessica Allister sees a vastly improved team based on what the freshmen class has to offer.

After winning the Big Ten Tournament title last season, Nebraska returns to the field determined to keep the momentum going in 2023.

With All-American Ellessa Bonstrom, a veteran-rich squad and a handful of newcomers, the Utes have all the pieces to climb back up from the bottom of the Pac-12.

Northwestern Head Coach Kate Drohan joins the D1Softball Podcast this week. Season 3 is presented Bat Club USA.

Washington has the reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year in Baylee Klingler and a talented group of hitters. But what does the post-Gabbie Plain era look like in the circle? Find out the details in Washington’s fall report.

The NCAA Division I Council on Wednesday adopted a proposal to limit midyear transfers in softball while also approving a measure to add a third paid full-time assistant coach.

Megan Faraimo appears to be on a mission. Maya Brady brought it in the fall. There’s plenty of new Bruins embracing the culture. UCLA has the fire power and ready for another championship run.

The Preseason D100 Player Rankings are here. Oklahoma’s Tiare Jennings tops our list.

Let us know your thoughts about the full rankings!

Despite losing their top two pitchers, the UCF Knights aren’t backing down from playing a challenging schedule in their final season before entering the Big 12.

After falling short of the postseason in 2022, the Cal Bears may have the depth needed to make a return in 2023.

To send off Montana Fouts with an WCWS sequel, a star-studded freshman class will need to adapt quickly to Alabama’s enduring standard of excellence.

North Texas Head Coach Rodney DeLong joins the D1Softball Podcast this week. Season 3 is presented Bat Club USA.

Building off a regional final finish, Wisconsin is looking to make history in 2023.

Kayla Konwent and Maddie Schwartz return to lead the Badgers.

The Wildcats have plenty of players coming back from their WCWS team from a year ago. Plus, there’s been a much different vibe this fall and they looked primed for another run to OKC.

Megan Bartlett walked into one of the toughest situations this offseason. However, the Sun Devils have plenty to be optimistic about under their new head coach.