Otterbein softball kicks off its spring season in Florida against Saint Joseph's College of Maine on Sunday, March 8.
The women annually travel to Florida for spring break, traditionally playing nine nonconference games before they return. This year, however, the team is bringing some new luggage with them: Justin Schmitz, the new assistant coach, who brings new knowledge and experience from USA Softball.
Once the Cardinals return to Westerville, they will have a week to prepare for their in-conference games.
"We're going for the OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference) this year," said junior allied health major Maggie McVicker. She said that the team has the talent, determination and practice to win this season.
Conference games begin on March 21 with an away game against Marietta. Last season, the Cardinals went 0-9 on away games, so they are looking to turn it around this year.
The team is led by coach Bruce Anderson, who is entering his sixth year. Coach Anderson shares the same goal as McVicker and the other Cardinals: winning the OAC. He said that the team is essentially a family. Citing an everpresent "We over Me" mentality within the team, he said, "We have a very good energy on this team."
Although five graduates will not be along for the ride this season, both Anderson and McVicker are confident in the freshmen's abilities to step up. "Those'll be some big shoes to fill, but I think that we've got a lot of young talent coming in so we'll have no problem," said McVicker. Anderson doubled down, saying, "If they have the year that I believe they will, we will compete for the tournament and the championship."
To find out more, check out Otterbein softball's 2025-2026 schedule.
