WAVERLY, Iowa – Softball will begin the 2026 season this weekend with four games scheduled in the next two days, beginning with a doubleheader on the road against Webster University on Friday, Feb 20 with first pitch set for 2 p.m. The Knights will close their opening weekend on Saturday, Feb. 21 against Greenville University and No. 24 WashU at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in St Louis, MO.
 
Opening Weekend Schedule
Friday: DH @ Webster | 2 & 4 PM | Eureka, MO | Live Stream | Live Stats
Saturday: vs Greenville/@ #24 WashU |11 AM & 1 PM | St Louis, MO | Live Stream ($) | Live Stats
 
Softball Preseason Media Availability – Jamie Mueller (center), Reagan Hassel (left) and Gwen Mews (right)
 
 
Last Season
The Knights captured the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) regular season title a season ago for the first time since 2008 and the fourth time in program history. Wartburg went on to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, which marked the program's fourth consecutive trip to the tournament (13^th overall).

Wartburg opened the NCAA tournament with a 4-3 win over WashU but fell to the University of Redlands and WashU in the next two games to bring the postseason run to an end.
 
This Season
The Knights return a good core of contributors this season, highlighted by All-Conference outfielder Carley Bredar. Bredar, Reagan Hassel, Ally Happ, Addy Wells, Jenna Wiebenga, Stephanie Kiefer and Rylie Metz all appeared in 30 or more games in 2025. Jillian Panther and Haile Frost are Wartburg's two returning pitchers after each pitching 20+ innings last season.
 
Wartburg welcomes in a first-year class of seven student athletes to add to the returning depth.
 
Following opening weekend, Wartburg will play 10 games over six days in Florida to continue nonconference play. The Knights will also face off against the University of Wisconsin-La Cross, Calvin University, No. 20 Illinois Wesleyan University, No. 17 University of Wisconsin-OshKosh and Augustana College in nonconference play this season.
 
Wartburg's home opener at Lynes Field is set for Wednesday, Apr. 1 in an A-R-C doubleheader against No. 21 Simpson College. The Knights will be at home for five doubleheaders this season.
 
Mueller Set for Year 11 at the Helm
After guiding the Knights to a fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance and an A-R-C title a season ago, head coach Jamie Mueller is set for her 11^th season leading the program. Under Mueller, Wartburg has won 20+ games in a season seven times, including five-straight seasons.
 
From the A-R-C Season Preview
"In a conference as strong as the A-R-C, it's hard to predict what a season will be like," said Mueller. "Each doubleheader presents its own challenges, and we know we need to bring our best each day in order to have success. We are excited for the journey of a new season and will work hard to consistently put our best foot forward in 2026."