The 2024 Kalamazoo College softball team begins its season this Sunday (Mar. 10) by traveling to Franklin. The Hornets will look to continue to build after finishing 19-19 (6-10 MIAA) last season and with 21 wins the year before. Those have been the two most successful seasons in program history.
Schedule Breakdown
- After beginning the season at Franklin on Mar. 10, the Hornets will play 12 games in one week down in Flordia from Mar. 21-27.
- Kalamazoo will begin April with two NAIA opponents by traveling to Siena Heights on Apr. 2 and hosting Aquinas on Apr. 4.
- MIAA play begins on Apr. 6 at home against Trine and then continues on the road at Calvin on Apr. 9.
- The Hornets will play three more non-conference teams in April, all at home against Wheaton on Apr. 11, North Park on Apr. 14, and Anderson on Apr. 21.
- Kalamazoo has three more MIAA opponents on the road at Saint Mary's on Apr. 13, Albion on Apr. 25, and Alma on Apr. 27.
- The remaining games in April will be at home against the conference opponents in Olivet on Apr. 17 and Hope on Apr. 20.
- The Hornets finish the regular season in May with one home matchup against Adrian on May 4.
Roster Breakdown
- Kalamazoo returns 13 players from 2023, including 11 position players and two pitchers, while adding two position players and pitchers for 17 total players heading into 2024.
- The three seniors will lead a team of six juniors, five sophomores, and three freshmen.
Returning Statistical Leaders
- Brynna Garden returns as the top hitter for the Hornets after hitting .330 with 38 hits, seven doubles, a triple, a home run, and 30 RBI last season. Playing in all 38 games, she also collected 21 runs, 11 walks, and two stolen bases and had a fielding percentage of .971 at second base.
- Also coming back is 2022 All-MIAA Second Team member Lizzy Rottenberk, who also played in all 38 games in center field with a .274 batting average, 34 hits, six doubles, four triples, and 16 RBI. Rottenberk had 11 stolen bases and looks to return to her 2022 form to be on base more often.
- Emma Newlove became a main contributor late in the season in her first go-around at collegiate softball and will look to take over shortstop this year. Newlove hit .298 in 30 games with 25 hits, eight doubles, three home runs, and 16 RBI.
- Jordan Cook returns after starting half of the games in the circle last season. In 105.2 innings, Cook had an 8-11 record with 12 complete games, a 5.43 ERA, and 54 strikeouts to 21 walks allowed.
- Bella Caza, Jaycee Rider, and Cecilia Schihl also come back after appearing in 30 games or more for the Hornets last season. Mackenzie Moore and Julia Rambo are back after splitting catching duties in 2023.
Stepping Up
- Natalie Gross, Amy McNutt, Francesca Ventura, and Madyson Groth will all have an opportunity to compete for more playing time as returners.
- Shelby Bennett is a catcher and utility transfer from KVCC and will look to make an immediate impact.
- Jordan Wesaw, Landrie Fridsma, and Maddy Vrba enter their first collegiate softball season.
Head Coach Kelli Duimstra
Coach Duimstra is set to begin her seventh season as the head coach of the Hornets. Duimstra has coached four different All-MIAA performers in her first six seasons and had Lucy Hart become the first NFCA All-Region selection in program history after the 2023 season. She became the winningest coach in program history during the 2023 season and has led the Hornets to the program's two most successful seasons, with 21 wins in 2022 and 19 in 2023. Before Kalamazoo, Duimstra served as the assistant coach at Hope College from 2014-17 and as an assistant coach at Hudsonville High School from 2010-14. During her playing career at Hope, Duimstra was the MIAA's Most Valuable Player and was named first-team All-Region and first-team All-American following her senior year.
Quoting Coach Duimstra
"I'm really excited to see this group compete. We've put in a ton of work during the preseason, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that translates during competition. This group comes to practice every day ready to work and ready to meet any challenge that comes their way. They're a gritty team that won't go down without a fight, and I'm proud to be their coach. I can't wait to see what we can achieve together this spring."