2026 Union Softball Season Preview
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University's softball team finished 13th in the Appalachian Athletic Conference last season, posting an 8-30 overall record and a 6-20 mark in league play.
With a new coaching staff and roster additions, the Bulldogs enter the season eager to establish a new standard and compete within the conference.
In an interview with team members, head coach Kiley Goff discussed the team's mentality and expectations heading into the season.
"Union softball's identity is mental toughness and being the competitors that out work their opponents," Goff said. "We have put in a lot of time and effort throughout the year and our players have put in the time. I'm excited for them to be suited up in their jerseys and get after it."
When asked about team leadership, Goff highlighted sophomore Skylar Smith and senior Tori Turner, while also noting that leadership will extend beyond just a few players.
"I believe more leaders will emerge for us this spring as everyone is settling in and continuing to push themselves to be better day in and day out," Goff said.
Smith emphasized togetherness when describing the coaching staff's expectations.
"The coaches have high expectations that I am going to keep everyone together on the field, leading by example and vocal," Smith said. "This team can be something great and set records and do things other teams haven't, it is a matter of how hard we are willing to work and how far we can go, and I want to help be a part of it."
Turner pointed to the challenges presented throughout the preseason as a key factor in the team's growth.
"The coaches challenged us everyday whether it was weights, conditioning or in practice and I think it just strengthened our minds and gave us a better mentality for the season," Turner said. "I know the standard they hold us to is hard but everyday we're gonna show up and give 100% and something coach goff always says is control the controllable which is our attitude and effort and we will bring that everyday."
Team chemistry has also been an area of emphasis, particularly with the addition of freshmen and transfers.
"The team chemistry has always been great," Smith said. "With all the freshmen and transfers that came in, working together as we go through tough workouts and learning how each other tick. What developed it the most was being put in hard situations and working through them together."
Looking ahead, Turner said an underdog mentality will help fuel the Bulldogs throughout the season.
"I think we are counted off as underdogs but I think everyone should know we came to win this season and put everything we've been working towards this fall into this season," Turner stated. "On and off the field we are gonna succeed and always put everything we have into whatever we're doing whether it's school or softball."
The Bulldogs start their season on Sunday, Feb. 8 with a doubleheader against Midway at Union Field. The first game is set to start at 1 p.m. while the second is set for 3 p.m.