Leavenworth, Kan.— The University of Saint Mary Spires softball team closed a chapter defined by strong bonds, standout performances, resilience, and navigated the highs and lows college athletic brings. As the 2026 season came to a bittersweet end, USM reflects on the year of growth, perseverance, and teamwork brought to the program.
When speaking about his first season at the helm of USM softball, Coach
Jay Monhollon was extremely proud of his team. Proud of the way they competed, how they showed up each day for one another, the upward trajectory his athletes are leading their team for the future, their level of competitive energy they brought to the diamond, and so much more. Coach explained how it was a privilege to come into this program and help the upperclassmen have a great final season and experience in a program they helped build. It was important to Coach Monhollon to help his athletes get back to the love of the game, remember why they started, and help make a positive difference through toughness and hard work.
The energy around Spire softball is buzzing with excitement over both new and familiar faces to the program, with two-time All-KCAC honoree,
Grace Rose, returning to the circle for USM in the 2027 season. Coach remarked how much he appreciate his athletes welcoming him into their program that aims to be an extremely player-led team unit. As recruiting continues to heat up through the summer months, Coach Monhollon is thrilled with the talent returning to Spire program and eager to establish a strong foundation among the newcomers, all united by a commitment to work hard for each other.
USM would keep themselves in it all season, giving themselves plenty of opportunities for their post-season goals. The Spires started off hot taking down the top ten nationally ranked Drovers of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, who would make their way to the national tournament, as well as splitting with No. 13 Evangel University and the Ottawa Braves of the KCAC, consistently giving glimpses into what the USM program was capable of.
Unfortunately, a few key losses would put post-season play out of the Spires direct control. USM would find themselves in a tie come the final weekend of regular season play between the Bethany College Swedes. Bethany would only need one win over the (RV) Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles and the Swedes would fight for their post-season opportunity, stealing game one in Bartlesville to send them into the number eight slot in the KCAC Championships, subsequently ending the Spires season. Spire softball graduated three seniors in outfielders
Briana Solis and
Audrey Spellman as well as infielder
Megan Brinkman, whose absence will absolutely be felt by their squad next season.
Spire softball got it done in the classroom as well, totaling eleven KCAC Scholar-Athletes as well as eight NAIA Scholar-Athletes:
KCAC Scholar-Athletes:
NAIA Scholar-Athletes:
Another season brings further experience in the USM system, and the Spires fully expect to execute more efficiently and compete at a higher level. The Spires commitment to one another and willingness to compete every day continued to define this group from start to finish. The future for USM softball is extremely bright and the Spire community eagerly awaits afternoons at the diamond in Spring 2027.
