Bethel University Lady Wildcats Softball 2025 Preview
The Bethel University Lady Wildcats are gearing up for the 2025 season with a renewed sense of determination. Nine players from last season's squad are returning. The Lady Cats finished 14-32 overall and 5-18 in Mid-South Conference play in 2024, but with a host of returning talent and a star-studded recruiting class, the team is primed for a stronger showing.
Key Returners & Leadership
The Wildcats will rely on a solid core of returners, including juniors Miranda Carnell and Madison Carey, and seniors Lauren Reimsnyder, Kinsley Caruthers, and Kirsten Eversole. These players will be called upon to provide leadership both on the field and in the locker room.
New Additions
The 2025 lineup looks vastly different with the infusion of a talented group of newcomers, who will be expected to make immediate contributions. Juniors Amme Benson, Ashley Aldridge, Kinsley Nichols, Riley Sharp, Fallyn Jordan, Maleyia Prather, and Jaelyn Wiers will bring energy and depth to the lineup. Sophomores Briley Auvenshine, Jada Wynn, and Ella Floyd are also ready to add proven talent to the squad.
Freshman standouts from the fall, including Adalyn Allen, Lilly Wortham, Aniya Sims, Chloe Coursey, Kennedy Holifield, and Layla McDowell, are ready to prove themselves at the NAIA level and will play a significant role in the team's success this season.
Strong Pitching Staff
Reimsnyder, Caruthers, and Amelia Sherrill will be key contributors both in the field and in the circle, providing leadership and stability.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach Katherine Hannagan, a former All-American pitcher and Player of the Year at the NAIA level, is excited about the potential of this year's team. With her extensive experience, including being named Coach of the Year at the NCAA level, Hannagan has helped elevate the program's standard. "These girls are fighters, and with such a large new group, they've come together better than I could have imagined," said Hannagan. "We have high expectations for each other in this locker room. It starts in the classroom and on the practice field. We're looking forward to surprising some people this year."
Coach Hannagan is assisted by 2nd-year assistant coach Ally Silva, who brings eight years of head coaching experience at Southern Union, and 1st-year volunteer assistant Adam Keech. Keech, a former Navy SEAL, adds a unique mental and emotional edge to the team, in addition to his experience coaching infield, hitting, and base running.
Looking Ahead
With a 50-game season ahead, the Lady Wildcats are focused on improving their .346 on-base percentage from 2024 and pushing for postseason play. The competition for playing time has been fierce, and with a deep roster, Bethel is ready to make an impact in the Mid-South Conference. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for the Lady Wildcats as they look to build on the momentum from a strong fall and surprise their opponents with a renewed sense of purpose and talent.