The SFU softball team enters the 2026 season with a new coach, a refreshed roster, and a focus on continuing the program’s recent dominance in the Northeast Conference.
After winning six NEC championships in the past seven seasons, the Red Flash look to claim one last NEC title. This is the last year that the program will compete in this conference.
SFU will compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference next year following the University’s move from Division I to Division III this summer.
“Success this season won’t be defined solely by wins and losses, but by how quickly we develop cohesion, leadership and a championship mindset,” said first-year head coach Bill Vasko.
“On the field, I expect us to compete with confidence and purpose every time we step between the lines. Off the field, I expect our players to grow as leaders, students and teammates.”
Despite an overhauled roster, the team has shown noticeable progress since the beginning of the fall season.
“From a performance standpoint, we’ve seen improvement in execution, consistency and decision-making,” said Vasko, who served as head coach at Fairmont State (West Virginia) for seven seasons before taking over at SFU.
“Players are playing faster, communicating better, and showing a stronger understanding of situational softball.”
Vasko praised the team’s willingness to buy into new systems and expectations, noting that this has been a major factor in on-field improvement.
Senior Anabelle Farmer, a member of multiple SFU championship teams, acknowledged the weight of past success. But she said that she and her teammates are focused on the present.
“Each year is a new team and we make our own goals,” said Farmer, who hit three home runs and drove in 14 last season. “This year, I just want to go out and compete.”
LIU is expected to once again be one of SFU’s top contenders for the 2026 NEC crown.
“Each game was really a fight to see who was going to come out on top,” said junior pitcher Olivia Kolowitz, recalling last season’s competitive games with the Sharks. Kolowitz is the team’s most experienced returning pitcher after throwing 86.2 innings last season.
Senior Haley Brag noted that CCSU and FDU could also contend for a conference crown in 2026.
“What puts them above (others) is their pitching,” said Brag, who started eight games last season.
Team chemistry, especially with a roster that includes many new players, will be critical. Student manager Matt Hall believes the team’s chemistry will grow over the season.
“It will take some time to build that chemistry just because of all the new faces,” Hall said. “Ultimately, I believe this chemistry will build throughout the year and prepare us for another competitive NEC run.”
Vasko said the program’s tradition of success will serve the team well in its final season in the NEC.
“The foundation we’ve built gives me a lot of confidence in where this program is headed,” he said.
SFU opens the 2026 season on Feb. 6 at the South Carolina-Upstate Tournament with games against host USC-Upstate and Ohio.
