Softball 2026 Season Preview
2/17/2026
Brown softball is set to begin its season at the River State Classic hosted by Texas State from Friday (Feb. 20) to Sunday (Feb. 22).
Head coach Mary Holt-Kelsch enters her second season at the helm of the Bears looking to continue the momentum from last season’s Ivy League Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
In Holt-Kelsch’s first year, Brown tied a program record with 33 wins and set a program record with 13 Ivy League wins. The Bears made the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history.
2026 SCHEDULE
The 2026 schedule sees the Bears take on three teams that made last season’s NCAA Tournament – Oklahoma State, North Florida and Boston University.
“We've challenged ourselves with a quality non-conference schedule and we know this experience will be critical to our overall success this season,” said Holt-Kelsch. “The Ivy League is incredibly competitive and games are often decided by execution in key moments. We want to see pressure early so we can learn how to respond, adjust, and work to earn everything competing pitch-to-pitch. Competing in tough environments allows us to test and develop our toughness, composure, and confidence, which is exactly what the grind of Ivy League play demands every weekend.”
Brown will be on the road for the first 14 games of the season before hosting Stonehill for a non-conference doubleheader to open the home slate on March 19.
The Bears begin Ivy League play on March 21, hosting a three-game series with Columbia
SEE THE FULL 2026 SCHEDULE HERE
RETURNERS ON OFFENSE
Brown returns five of its top six hitters from a season ago but the Bears will have to find a way to replace unanimous Ivy League Player of the Year Laurel Moody.
Abby Bettencourt, Amanda Deng, Jasmine Hsiao and Cameron Zytkewicz Ray all finished last season with at least 35 hits and 21 RBI. Kiacee Klus returns the highest batting average from a season ago at .318.
We have a strong group of returners who gained valuable experience last season, and we are looking for them to take the next step by being more consistent and disciplined with their at-bats,” said Holt-Kelsch. “At the same time, there are newcomers who will have opportunities to make an immediate impact and add depth to our lineup. What is most important for us is our offense being competitive from top to bottom: quality at-bats, putting pressure on the defense, and execution in key moments.”
FILLING OUT THE PITCHING STAFF
The Bears will need to replace Ivy League Tournament Most Outstanding Player Alexis Guevara in circle after Guevara put together one of the best pitching seasons in Brown history.
Brown brings back pitchers Annie Finch, Macy Borowski and Edie Cobb. The trio will be joined by first year Jordan Simmons.
“What Lex accomplished last season was incredibly special and will be remembered for years to come, but she knew the support of the staff last season aided her success,” said Holt-Kelsch. “We have really focused on developing the depth and consistency across the pitching staff. We have returners with valuable experience in their back pocket ready to take on more responsibility. The staff made the decision in the fall that they are going to compete together, embrace the responsibility, and set the competitive tone on the field. I am ready to see where the hard work of the staff will take them this season.”
THE NEWCOMERS
The Bears bring in six newcomers to fill out the roster for the 2026 season.
To read more about all of the newcomers for this season, click here
One thing we emphasize in our program is roles are earned,” said Holt-Kelsch. “Our newcomers came in ready to work and have proven their ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. We are excited to see how they can complement our returners, because the combination of experience and fresh energy has elevated our practices. Opportunities will be there for our newcomers, and we’re excited to see who rises to the moment.”
