The Sycamores are gearing up for an exciting 2025 season with a roster of 21 players, including five freshmen, one transfer, and 15 returners from the 2024 season. This blend of experience and fresh talent sets the stage for a strong campaign.

Indiana State's pitching staff is a key strength, with all five of their pitchers returning. Hailey Griffin, who had a standout 2024 season with a 7-6 record, 106 innings pitched, and 76 strikeouts, is poised for another strong year. She also achieved a perfect 2-0 week at the Governors Classic Tournament, including her first collegiate no-hitter.

Cassi Newbanks, who made 22 appearances and pitched 58 innings last season, will be an important presence on the mound. Lauren Sackett, who led the pitching staff with 8 wins and 84 strikeouts in 2024, returns as a key starter. Megan Asher, with a perfect 2-0 record in 2024, adds depth to the rotation. Annie Waggoner, in her freshman season, made 8 relief appearances and is ready to contribute further.

The Sycamores are ranked 11th in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll, but with a mix of returners and new talent, they aim to make a significant impact this season. The roster features three seniors—Cassi Newbanks, Livi Colip, and Hailey Griffin—and five promising freshmen: Madison Poulson, Abby Widmar, Whitley Wischmeier, Brailey Mills, and Jordan Thatcher.

In addition to the returning players, the Sycamores welcome redshirt junior transfer Taylor Erschen from Dayton. Erschen played 50 games in 2023, recording 39 hits, 5 home runs, and 8 doubles, along with 7 multi-hit games. Her experience and defensive contributions, including 50 putouts and 36 assists, will be a valuable asset to the team.

The 2025 season also marks the beginning of a new coaching era for the Sycamores, with Windy Thees at the helm. Thees, with over 25 years of collegiate coaching experience, has brought in Emily Herren, Nicole Bechtel, and Kiley Goff as assistant coaches.

Thees has a strong track record of success, having led teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, set program records, and coached players to All-American honors. She also serves as the battery coach for Great Britain's U22 softball team and was a standout player at Florida State.

With a fresh coaching staff, a strong pitching staff, and a blend of seasoned returners and exciting newcomers, the Sycamores are ready to make their mark in the 2025 season.

Get to know Coach Thees:
https://gosycamores.com/podcasts

Indiana State opens its 2025 season this weekend in Fort Myers at FGCU.

Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on Sycamore Softball, be sure to visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
 

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