As much as it seems like the ladies were just headed home from Oklahoma City, Huskers softball fall practice is only a few weeks away as well as a slate of fall exhibition games.
I had recently completed by my 2nd annual 4-part post-season series on the team, but sports news never stops and the Huskers are no exception in any sport.
(Did you miss the Huskers Softball Series? Here’s an example of where the internet beats print! No need to go dig the paper out one of those mountain of brown bags you keep meaning to recycle! Just click below to catch up):
- Part 1 – Best Huskers team ever?
- Part 2 – The games that got away.
- Intermission – A Husker legend retires
- Part 3 – Doings since Oklahoma City
- Part 4 – The 2027 rebuild
But since all that, there’s been a little movement to the roster and a couple of announcements, so let’s take a minute and catch up.
Roster Changes Since the Portal Moves and Freshman Arrivals
- SKARLETT JONES – Speculation had abounded about Jones ever since her boyfriend, Dylan Raiola, transferred to Oregon, but the season itself was eventless with Raiola showing up occasionally at games for support. When the open portal entry session came and went with Jones not entering, it was assumed she’d remain on roster with her former Gretna teammates, Carlie Muhlbach and Alexis Jensen. I predicted she would snag the shortstop job in ‘27.
- However, when the 2027 roster was released recently, Jones was not on it, and it was confirmed she had left the team. Assumptions will, of course, be made, but for now the only certainty is, since she did not enter the portal, she will not play in 2027, barring a return to the Huskers.
- DAKOTA CARTER – The senior Husker outfielder, who walked on Senior Day, will return for a 5th season as now allowed under the recently passed “5 to play 5” rule. Carter has served as a reserve and pinch-runner in her four seasons in Lincoln, but will serve as Team Captain as well now.
- Coach Rhonda Revelle has done this previously with non-starters who bring leadership and experience to the table. Players recently serving in this role include Alina Felix, Mckinley Malecha and Karlee Seevers.
ADJUSTMENTS TO PREDICTED STARTERS
With the loss of Jones, the predicted starters list from Part 4 needs a tweak. Further ones can also be expected next after fall practice and then finally when that opening day lineup hits the field in February. I do my best, y’all.
- Kali Bogart – SS – Let’s go ahead and move her over as the opening day shortstop. I had pencilled her in at second base to replace Lauren Camenzind, but short was her HS position per some online digging. One way or another, I had her on the field based on Revelle’s quote on signing day- “We anticipate her stepping right in and competing at a high level for the Red Team.”
- Lucy Thompson or Shelby Southard – 2B – This leaves a hole at second and these two ladies appear to be the leading candidates. (But can I just add here how much I’d like to see Katelyn Caneda give it one more season as the transitional starter?)
- Thompson was noted for her “all-out play” by Revelle and was the Colorado High School Female Athlete of the Year for her play in softball and…flag football. Said Revelle, “This fiery athlete packs a punch as she will do whatever it takes to win. Simply put, Lucy is fun to watch as she plays the game at one speed—all out.”
- Southard racked up a number of honors in Washington state where she was the 1A Player of the Year. Of her, Revelle said “Shelby is coming to Nebraska with a polished and electric defensive skillset. A natural leader, we look for Shelby to make her presence known immediately, both on the field and as a leader.”
- Nod to Southard – Based on Revelle’s comments, I’ll say Southard will get the second base job, but expect to see plenty of Thompson in 2027. She has third base experience and could be positioned to take over for senior Sammie Bland whether that’s in one or two years.
(Note: There’s no indication at present that Thompson will attempt to play two sports at Nebraska. However, CLICK HERE for more on here being selected as 1 of 32 invited to the NFL Flag Football Showcase.)
- Jaime Oakland – OF – In the original article, I waffled in my head and left her off, but I’ve decided to flip and move freshman Oakland as competing for time in the outfield. Said Revelle, “Jaime is a dynamic and speedy triple-threat offensive player who adds a new wrinkle to our offensive weaponry. She is also a smart and gifted outfielder that makes difficult plays look easy.”
- Huskers defense has been a huge and somewhat unsung strength these past two seasons. No reason to back off of that.
SAMMIE BLAND JOINS NSC AS ATHLETE AMBASSADOR
15 HUSKER SOFTBALL PLAYERS NAMED AS NFCA SCHOLAR-ATHLETES FOR 2026
The National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association recognizes as Scholar-Athletes all players who attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher – Huskers are listed above. As a team, Nebraska logged a 3.57 GPA.
