After a tumultuous summer, 2024 will be a year of change for Oklahoma State. But with a talented freshman class and, yes, returning pitching, the expectations for success remain the same. 

From a Division II record breaker and role model to Danielle Lawrie’s tenacity and Angela Tincher’s unhittable rise ball, D1Softball’s Graham Hays gives thanks for softball memories.

Looking for its first super regional appearance since 2010, BYU has a roster ready to compete from the outset in its inaugural Big 12 season.

Statistically, Isabella Smith kept company with Montana Fouts and Kelly Maxwell. But from being the self-described worst player on the field to finding a home at her late father’s alma mater, the Big South Pitcher of the Year’s journey is uniquely her own.

Reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year Kailey Wyckoff leads a committed returning core intent on building something special in Lubbock.

There’s no more Montana, but Alabama aims to fly high with newfound pitching depth and a lineup wiser for the experience of last year.

Last year’s sensational freshmen set a high bar. But in its final Big 12 season, Texas may have an incoming class capable of a sequel.

With the reigning MVC Pitcher and Freshman of the Year leading the way, Northern Iowa’s homegrown excellence is ready to chase a third consecutive regular season title and return to the NCAA Tournament.

Give Anna Dethlefson a sign and the reigning Big West Player of the Year will run with it, whether that’s in switching from baseball to softball or charting a course as a biology major.

Seeking a 17th Patriot League regular season title since 2000 and a return to the NCAA Tournament, Lehigh returns a loaded roster in 2024.

San Diego State doesn’t ask its pitchers to be the aces of yesteryear. As a result, Mountain West Pitcher of the Year Allie Light provides a blueprint for the future.

A Yankees fan in Red Sox country. A baseball pitcher turned softball shortstop. A big-time star for a mid-major power. Two-time reigning Patriot League Player of the Year Kayla Roncin excels her own way.

The numbers say Emily Johansen is one of the best hitters beyond the Power 5. But for a film major and creative soul, hitting and life are as much art as science.

Pitching is reigning CAA Pitcher of the Year Emily Winburn’s first love, and that may yet take Delaware to its first NCAA Tournament.

Tess Cites used to wonder if she was good enough to play D1 softball. These days, the only unanswered question is how high the Big East Player of the Year can climb.

The former NJCAA Player of the Year, Primrose Aholelei wasted no time making an impression in her first Division I season with Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

There was drama on the final day, courtesy of Alyssa Denham, but Odicci Alexander’s stellar summer still ends with the 2023 Athletes Unlimited championship.

OVC Pitcher of the Year, OVC Female Athlete of the Year and a nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year, Eastern Illinois’ Olivia Price is proof that a change can do you good.

After another perfect week as captain, Odicci Alexander holds a big lead and controls the title race entering Week 5.

Recruited by the late Joan Joyce and polished by Nicole Newman and Jordan Clark, reigning CUSA Pitcher of the Year Gabby Sacco leads FAU into a new era.

Odicci Alexander took control of Week 3 as a pitcher and a general manager, surging into the overall lead in Athletes Unlimited.

As Athletes Unlimited heads to the LLWS, Sis Bates and Aliyah Andrews prove softball can be about joy, friendship and world-class defense.

Captain Sierra Romero made sure her team dominated Week 2 in Athletes Unlimited, but Team Faraimo’s captain stole the show and the overall lead with a no-hitter.

What does Maddie Pleasants have in common with Jocelyn Alo? Well, an otherworldly strikeout rate, for one thing. But also an instantly recognizable competitive will.

Rachel Garcia was Athletes Unlimited’s leading hitter in Week 1. She also happened to be the week’s leading pitcher. Guess who tops the leaderboard?

Reigning A-10 Player of the Year and national batting champion contender Emma Schutter is made to be a Flyer, and that’s excellent news for Dayton.

As the first entry in a series to better get to know returning conference award winners, D1Softball looks at Oakland’s Sydney Campbell. The Horizon League Pitcher of the Year uses spin and some of the best control in the nation to excel.

The AUX championship won’t be decided until the final game. Tori Vidales’ late home run powered Team Warren to a win against Team Garcia that prevented Rachel Garcia from wrapping up the crown.

Captains Rachel Garcia and Aubrey Leach led their teams to victory against Team Warren as Series 3 opened, going a long way toward reducing the title race to three players.