Walking into a Western Washington University softball practice, you can instantly feel an energy of connection, passion and enthusiasm radiating from the team. Players sing along to music, laugh at inside jokes and encourage each other’s efforts, all while working hard to improve their skills.
The team returned from an 11-game season-opening road trip on Feb. 8, 2026, where they competed in the CUI Kickoff Classic and the D2 West Coast Challenge tournaments, along with a single game against Colorado Christian University.
The Vikings ended the trip with a 5-6 record, featuring a notable 14-0 shutout victory over Hawaii Pacific University at the CUI Kickoff Classic on Feb. 1, 2026.
But instead of focusing on results, the team has decided to view the trip as a learning experience to guide their process for the rest of the season, according to Head Coach Sheryl Gilmore.
“We learned how to come together as a team. I think there were really bright moments, there were moments where we faced adversity, and that’s what you want early on,” Gilmore said.
Third-year third baseman and team captain Maleah Andrews said although the trip didn’t go as planned, it’s an opportunity for the team to reflect on areas they need to improve on before upcoming games.
“It’s a good baseline for us right now, and it kind of shows where we’re at and what we need to work on, which is the goal of that tournament in the first place: to just pick out the little things that we need to get better at,” Andrews said.
Following back-to-back Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship tournament wins, West Region titles and NCAA DII National Championship and World Series appearances in 2024 and 2025, Western softball came into the season ranked #1 in the GNAC and #3 in the nation in pre-season coaches polls.
Gilmore said that last year, the team struggled to balance high expectations following a successful 2024 season with staying present. This experience taught the returning players not to get caught up in rankings and results, a lesson that has been applied this year as well.
Maintaining this balance has also meant focusing on connection and team culture, an effort guided by upperclassmen leaders who have worked to build relationships with younger players.
Andrews is one of these upperclassmen who have stepped into leadership roles this year, and she’s focused on mentoring younger players without getting caught up in being a step above her peers.
“I’m still your teammate, I’m still in the same position as you; it’s just that I’ve been here longer, so you can come to me if you need anything,” Andrews said.
A 2022 study by students at Miami University on the perceptions of leadership and organizational culture in collegiate sports found that the relationships peer leaders form with other players play a critical role in how their teammates perceive the team’s culture.
The study also showed that the influence of a peer leader on the team’s morale, motivation and cohesiveness can even be stronger than the influence of a coach on the same areas.
“It doesn’t matter how successful you are if you don’t have those relationships,” Gilmore said. “And luckily for us, we have a group of people who care about that and who really work to foster that connection.”
Sophomore Emily McCutcheon warms up at practice on Feb. 12, 2026. On this day, players practiced in small groups at different times to fit their busy class schedules. // Photo by Erica Stavnem
The team’s strong leadership has helped foster an environment that has equipped them to overcome challenges and tough games.
“I’m most proud of who they are in the face of adversity,” Gilmore said. “When you face adversity, it really reveals your character. And I think who this team is after a loss, who this team is when we’re down eight runs, who this team is when things aren’t going their way, is something I’m really proud of them for.”
During the rest of the season, Gilmore said the team will continue to adapt to changes, think tactically and stick together through it all.
“At the end of the day, this is a game and we want to be great at it and we love it,” Gilmore said. “The only way you can truly stay in it and grow is to focus on the process and not the result, and the results will come as long as we’re paying attention to the things that we can control.”
After a victory sweep at their home opening doubleheader against Simon Fraser University on Feb. 21, Western softball is preparing for another road trip to California, this time for the NorCal Crossover Tournament from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1.
Erica Stavnem (she/her) is a sports and recreation reporter for The Front. She is a second-year Western student and is majoring in visual journalism. In addition, she is a member of Western’s sailing team. She enjoys reading, camping and travel. You can reach her at ericastavnem.thefront@gmail.com.
