DeLand, Fla. — Fresh off capturing the program's sixth ASUN Championship, Stetson softball now turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament as the Hatters head to the Tallahassee Regional hosted by Florida State. Stetson joins Florida State, UCF, and Jacksonville State in the regional field and will open tournament play against the Seminoles on Friday, May 15 at noon on ESPNU at JoAnne Graf Field.
The Hatters enter regional play amid one of the most memorable seasons in program history. Stetson carries a 36-20 overall record into the NCAA Tournament after winning the ASUN Graphite Division title and securing the conference's automatic bid with a dominant run through the ASUN Championship. The Hatters outscored opponents 16–4 during the tournament, culminating in a 4–0 shutout victory over Central Arkansas in the championship game to claim the program's first ASUN Tournament title since 2014.
Throughout the season, Stetson steadily climbed into the national spotlight, reaching as high as No. 14 in the Softball America Mid-Major Rankings and No. 17 in the D1 Softball Mid-Major Poll. The Hatters built their success on a combination of explosive offense, timely pitching, and resilience in pressure moments.
Offensively, Stetson rewrote the program record books in 2026. The Hatters set a new single-season program record with 76 home runs and grand slams with 8, while consistently producing clutch hits throughout conference play and the postseason. Multiple players reached double-digit home runs, helping create one of the deepest lineups in the ASUN.
Nicole Edmiaston has headlined the historic offensive season, earning both ASUN Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors. Edmiaston enters NCAA Tournament play batting .465 with program single-season records in home runs, RBIs, and total bases. Time and time again this season, she delivered in key moments, including game-changing home runs and a grand slam during conference play that helped fuel Stetson's late-season surge.
Second Team All-ASUN selection
Irianis Garcia has been equally impactful as one of the nation's top all-around players. Garcia enters regional play batting .385 with 70 hits, 14 doubles, and 11 home runs while serving as the defensive anchor on the left side of the infield. She led the nation in assists for much of the season and consistently came through in big moments offensively, including several key performances during the ASUN Championship run.
Fellow ASUN All-Conference Second Team selection
Logan Forman has also played a major role in the Hatters' success this season. Forman enters the NCAA Tournament second on the team in home runs with 15 while delivering several key extra-base hits throughout conference play.
The Hatters have also leaned heavily on their pitching staff throughout the year, led by
Ava Braswell and
Hayley Arnold. Braswell has been the workhorse in the circle, leading the team with 19 wins while providing stability throughout conference play and against nationally ranked opponents. Arnold elevated her game late in the season and played a pivotal role in the postseason, earning ASUN Tournament MVP honors after throwing 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings in Jacksonville, including a complete-game shutout in the championship game.
Stetson's success this season has also reflected the leadership of head coach
Shellie Cousins, who was named ASUN Coach of the Year after guiding the Hatters to the Graphite Division title and the program's first ASUN Championship in more than a decade. Under Cousins' leadership, Stetson developed into one of the top mid-major programs in the country, combining offensive firepower with consistent pitching and a resilient team mentality throughout the season.
One of the defining traits of this Stetson team throughout the season has been its resiliency. The Hatters earned multiple comeback victories during ASUN play and consistently responded to adversity in high-pressure situations. Whether rallying late against conference opponents or battling nationally ranked teams deep into games, Stetson repeatedly showcased the toughness and confidence that helped fuel its championship run.
Now, the Hatters return to the NCAA Tournament stage carrying momentum, confidence, and the belief that their season is far from over. Friday's matchup against Florida State marks another opportunity for Stetson to continue a historic season against one of the nation's top programs.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
