The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team has been picked to finish fourth in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) competition by the annual preseason coaches' poll. This comes after completing the 2025 season with an overall record of 39-17 and an 18-8 record in NSIC action.

"We will miss our senior class of 2025 for sure, but this year we are excited by the depth of our pitching staff, some added speed and athleticism with our newcomers, and a core of our roster that continues to improve." said head coach Nat Wagner, who begins his second season at the helm. "Above all, we are thrilled by the way this group has taken important strides in their work, their preparation, and the way they support one another. We expect to be very balanced in all phases of the game and very hard to play against."

Senior Kendal Jenkins was named as UMD's NSIC Player to Watch, along with senior pitcher Allyssa Williams being named as the UMD NSIC Pitcher to Watch.

A native of Hastings, Minn., Jenkins posted a .335 batting average and .561 slugging percentage last season. By the end of the season, she earned a NSIC First Team All-Conference selection after tallying 58 hits, 19 doubles, a triple, and six home runs.
"Kendal is as complete a player as one will find. She checks off all the boxes as an exceptionally high -character athlete." said Wagner. "She excels in the classroom, has forged elite athleticism in the weight room, and delivers on the diamond, combining potent power at the plate with superb defensive skills behind the plate. Kind, thoughtful, and diligent, Kendal leads by example in all aspects of student life. She is our big dog."

Williams, a product of Yuba City, Calif., went 17-8 in 29 appearances, earning a 2.91 ERA in 137 innings. In a career high season who earned a selection to the NSIC All-Defensive Team while tossing 112 strikeouts and earning a .249 bats against average.

Allyssa is high-energy, passionate competitor, who loves to take the ball in big moments." said Wagner. "She has worked hard to develop her arsenal and become a power pitcher at this level, and we expect her to lead us in the circle with her competitive fire and presence. Alyssa exudes a love of softball, and will lead a young staff this year with her dynamic energy.