After finishing 9-7 and capturing a conference championship in 2025, Berkshire enters the 2026 season in a transition phase—but one filled with optimism.
With five returning starters and seven letter winners, the Badgers will lean on a mix of experienced seniors and a wave of young talent stepping into larger roles.
“Heading into the 2026 season, we were not sure what we had as many JV players were going to have to move up and play both JV and varsity,” said coach Joe Medlen. “We’re pleasantly surprised as all of the players have been working extremely hard and will fill some gaps from an awesome senior class last year.”
That blend of uncertainty and upside has quickly turned into confidence as the season approaches.
“Our expectations this year will be to compete for a conference championship and go deeper in the playoffs,” Medlen said. “We are way more prepared than last year and look forward to a strong season.”
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Navigating Challenges
Depth will be tested all season long, as Berkshire manages a smaller roster that requires flexibility across levels.
“Our biggest challenge is having to move players around from JV to varsity and varsity to JV as our numbers are pretty low,” Medlen said. “This will be a first for me in all my years of coaching high school softball, but like all challenges, we will be prepared. We have awesome assistant coaches who will manage this with no issues.”
That adaptability could ultimately become a strength if the Badgers can maintain consistency while developing younger players on the fly.
Strength in IQ and Culture
What Berkshire may lack in numbers, it makes up for in experience within the system and a strong team-first mentality.
“Our team strengths this year will be our overall game IQ,” Medlen said. “Last year was this coaching staff’s first year, and we had to instill a culture of accountability and being prepared. The young ladies on this year’s team have worked hard in the offseason, and we look forward to what they will accomplish.”
That culture shift could be the foundation for another successful run—if the team continues to buy in.
“We must play for each other and have the ‘We over Me’ mindset,” Medlen said.
Infield Anchors the Lineup
Berkshire’s infield is loaded with experience and high-level production, led by one of the area’s top players.
At shortstop, junior Whitney Davis returns after hitting .662 and earning Silver Slugger honors.
“Whitney is a generational player, and we are blessed to have her at Berkshire,” Medlen said. “Whitney will destroy the record book this year in a few categories. Whitney is a Penn State University commit and will look to continue to lead by example on and off the field.”
Senior Mallory Durosko (.323) anchors first base.
“Mal is one of the most knowledgeable players I have ever coached,” Medlen said. “Mal has done a great job at first, and I look for huge things from her this year.”
Senior Julia Young shifts back to second base.
“Julia will come out of the outfield to take over at second, where she used to play years ago,” Medlen said. “Julia is another player who has a very high game IQ. Julia is looking to have a very strong senior year.”
At third base, junior Leeanne Baise brings energy to a new starting role.
“Leeanne only knows one speed, and that’s full speed,” Medlen said. “Leeanne is one of the best teammates anyone could look for. Leeanne is always full of energy and nothing but positivity.”
Behind the plate, senior Delaney Gumm—committed to Lakeland Community College—steps into a key role.
“Delaney will move into a starting role this year as our catcher,” Medlen said.
Outfield Blends Experience and Upside
Senior Kate Miller leads the outfield from center after hitting .277 last season.
“Kate is a phenomenal center fielder and shortstop,” Medlen said. “Kate’s knowledge of the game makes her even better. You will not find a nicer human than Kate. Kate’s a great softball player and will have a huge year this year.”
Junior Olivia Christman and junior Cheyanne Humes bring athleticism to the corners.
“Olivia has all the tools; it’s on the coaches to get her to know how to use them,” Medlen said. “Olivia has a ton of potential, and I look forward to her settling in and starting to impact the lineup. Cheyanne moves up from JV this year and has all the tools to be very, very good. Cheyanne is gifted with speed and a very strong arm.”
Pitching Staff Led by Emerging Arms
Sophomore Moira Wonders headlines the pitching rotation after an impressive freshman campaign that included 152 strikeouts.
“Moira as a freshman was incredible,” Medlen said. “Moira has improved tremendously from her freshman season, where she had 150 strikeouts. This year, she should eclipse the 100 strikeout mark again. Moira works extremely hard and has all the tools to pitch and play at the next level.”
Sophomore Sophia Ezzo will play a dual role as both a key bat and pitcher.
“Sophia made her mind up after last season that she was going to work hard at pitching, and she has made tremendous strides,” Medlen said. “I’m looking forward to Sophia continuing to grow and having a huge impact on our pitching rotation.”
Sophomore Elaine Higgs adds depth.
“Elaine Higgs is going to be a very good pitcher for the varsity squad this year and will share time at JV also,” Medlen said. “Elaine is a very positive player, and I see nothing but good things from her this season. Elaine pounds the strike zone, and I look forward to her pushing us to another level.”
Ezzo will also factor in as the designated player.
“Sophia has never stopped working on her game since last season and continued to work with coaches all offseason,” Medlen said. “Sophia will be a huge bat in the lineup and on the mound.”
Outlook
Berkshire may be young and still finding its footing, but the pieces are in place for another competitive season. With a star in Whitney Davis, a strong senior class, and a promising group of underclassmen, the Badgers have the tools to contend again.
If they can manage roster challenges and maintain their team-first identity, Berkshire could find itself right back in the mix for a conference title—and potentially making the deeper postseason run they’re aiming for.
Follow the Berkshire Badgers softball team throughout the 2026 season with the links below, including schedule, roster, and full coverage.
Berkshire Badgers Softball
- Berkshire Badgers Softball Schedule
- Berkshire Badgers Softball Roster
- Berkshire Badgers Softball News
- More OhioVarsity.com Softball Coverage and Previews
- 2026 CVC Softball Preview
