Softball Looks Ahead to 2026 Season with Full Slate and New Staff
ADA, Okla. – East Central University softball is gearing up for the 2026 schedule, featuring three tournaments, four nonconference doubleheaders, and a full Great American Conference slate highlighted by six home series at Tiger Softball Field.
After finishing 17–27 overall last year with a 10–23 mark in GAC play, the Tigers were tabbed 11th in the Preseason Coaches Poll, as voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.
However, under the new leadership of Tiger softball alum Autumn Wyatt, along with a new coaching staff that includes assistant coach Karlie Milburn and graduate assistant coaches
Josi Goodman, Erin Williams, and Makenna Keeton, ECU enters the 2026 season focused on progress, consistency, and building a strong foundation for long-term success.
The Tigers open the season at the Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, Texas, on Jan. 30–31, where ECU will face Rockhurst, Emporia State, Cameron, and Drury across two days. The early road test continues Feb. 6–7 at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic in Bentonville, Arkansas, with matchups against Southwest Baptist, Truman State, Maryville, and Missouri S&T.
ECU returns to Oklahoma for the Tahlequah Softball Festival on Feb. 12–13, squaring off against Northeastern State, Rogers State, Fort Hays State, and Washburn in Tahlequah before opening its home schedule the following week.
Great American Conference play begins Feb. 20–21 at Tiger Softball Field against Ouachita Baptist. The Tigers will host several key conference series throughout the season, including Northwestern Oklahoma State, Arkansas Tech, Southern Nazarene, Arkansas-Monticello, and a home finale against rival Southeastern Oklahoma State.
ECU's conference road slate includes trips to Oklahoma Baptist, Harding, Southwestern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas, and Henderson State. Nonconference action continues throughout the season with road games at UT Dallas and Newman, along with home doubleheaders against Northeastern State and Arlington Baptist.
The regular season concludes May 1–2 at Henderson State in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as ECU looks to build momentum heading into the Great American Conference Championship on May 7–9.
All home games will be played at Tiger Softball Field, and dates and times are subject to change. For the complete schedule and season updates, visit ecutigers.com.
