Youthful Cardinals ready to grow into 2026 softball season
A new season is underway for the Washburn/Center-Stanton softball team, and the Cardinals will take the field in 2026 with a roster centered on youth, development, and longterm potential.
Head coach Katie Kulzer returns to lead a group that features a heavy mix of middle school and underclass athletes, paired with a handful of experienced sophomores.
With no seniors on the roster, the Cardinals enter the spring focused not only on immediate results, but on building a foundation for the future of the program.
The sophomore class will serve as the backbone of the team. Players such as Alina Sadykova, Kayla Hammons, Brooklyn Hetletved, Ellie Goetz, Breanna Laning, and Isabel Samuelson are expected to take on leadership roles despite their youth.
Having already gained valuable varsity experience, that group will be counted on to provide stability both offensively and defensively.