The First Pitch
The Youngstown State softball team (0-5) returns to the Palmetto State for five games at the Winthrop Garnet & Gold Tournament, Feb. 21-23, in Rock Hill, S.C.

At-Bat
The Penguins open the tournament against Brown and St. John's on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. Youngstown State takes on Le Moyne and Winthrop on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and the Penguins close out the tourney on Sunday against Brown at 12:30 p.m.

Up Next
Youngstown State returns to Rock Hill, S.C., for five games Feb. 28-March 2. The Penguins will take on St. Bonaventure and Charlotte on Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., then face Marist and USC-Upstate on March 1 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. YSU squares off against Southern Indiana, March 2, at 10 a.m.

Campbell Nearing Milestones
Head Coach Brian Campbell is in his 17th season at Youngstown State and his 25th as a college head coach. Campbell owns a career record of 675-593-2 and a 390-404-1 mark at Youngstown State. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Campbell needs 25 more wins to reach 700 for his career and 10 more to reach 400 at Youngstown State.

What Returns
The Penguins return15 letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad that tied the school record for wins with an overall record of 36-17. The Penguins also won their second regular-season championship with a Horizon League record of 15-5 in 2024.

Penguins Welcome Several Newcomers
Along with 15 returning letterwinners, the Penguins welcome six new players to the 2025 squad. Joining the Penguins this season are Alivia Boothe, Autumn Boyd, Kami Diaz, Bella Myer, Kelsey Ogin, and Ayla Ray. 

Easy, BREE-zy
Junior Bree Kohler turned in an impressive opening weekend the Wofford Tournament, Feb. 7-9. Kohler, who missed last season due to injury, led the Penguins with a .438 batting average, two doubles, and two RBIs. She had two multi-hit games and had at least one hit in her last four contests.

Littler Still Lit
Sophomore Macy Littler continued staying hot from year one to year two. Littler went 5-for-12 for an average of .417 during the season-opening weekend. Littler recorded a hit in each game she played.

Ray of Sunshine
Freshman Ayla Ray turned in a solid performance in her collegiate debut. Ray batted .333 with two runs scored and a run batted in.

Staying Tru
Senior Taylor Truran opened the season in impressive fashion. Truran batted .385 with two RBIs. She went 3-for-3 against Wofford on Feb. 8 to highlight the week.

Imler Looking to Continue High-Level Play
Fifth-year senior Elyssa Imler was named the 2024 Horizon League Player of the Year, All-Horizon League First-Team, and led the Penguins with a .340 batting average with 36 runs scored, 51 hits, 21 RBIs, 10 doubles and a home run. She stole 14 bases. Imler also hit .444 with 16 runs, 32 hits five doubles, a home run, and 15 RBIs against Horizon League foes.

Wilkerson Posted Solid Frosh Campaign
Sophomore Lydia Wilkerson was named All-Horizon League Second Team and All-Freshman Team last season. She batted .331 with 19 runs, nine doubles, two home runs and 17 runs batted. Wilkerson also slugged .422 with an on-base percentage of .389. She led the team with 55 hits and recorded 14 multi-hit games…Wilkerson batted. 377 against Horizon League opponents with four doubles and two homers.

Dean Improved
Junior Kennedy Dean batted .271 with 20 runs scored, eight doubles, a triple, eight home runs, and 24 RBIs. She also posted a slugging percentage of .535 and an on-base percentage of .356 for an OPS of .891. Dean was second on the team and ranked tied for third in the Horizon League in home runs.

Litter Was Lit
Sophomore Macy Littler was named to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team after batting .250 with 16 runs, three doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs. She had five multi-hit games and hit .296 against Horizon League opponents with 16 runs and eight RBIs.