MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Momentum is a powerful thing, and the Chowan University softball program is carrying plenty of it into the 2026 season. With opening day right around the corner, the Hawks enter a new season after posting their most successful campaign under head coach, William "Junior" Bailey, and assistant coach, Presley Bissett since their arrival at Chowan in 2023. The 2025 season marked the softball program's best record since becoming a member of Conference Carolinas in 2020—a season that set a new standard for the program.
Now entering their fourth year at the helm, Bailey and Bissett have firmly established the identity of Chowan softball—one built on accountability, versatility, and belief. The 2026 roster reflects that foundation, featuring 16 returners, three transfers, and seven freshmen who collectively bring depth, experience, and a competitive nature at every position. With expectations clearly defined and the torch passed forward, the Hawks are poised to make noise once again in Conference Carolinas.
"During the offseason we've spent a lot of time working on production at the plate and locking down our pitching," said Bailey. "If we can do those two things consistently, everything else will fall into place."
That focus is well-founded. In 2025, seven Hawks finished the year hitting above the .300 mark while the team clocked in with a .288 season average. These numbers represent statistics that are proof of an offense capable of impacting games in a hurry. With five of the Hawks top hitters returning, a pitching core that combined for 16 of the Hawks season wins, and a talented core of transfers and newcomers,Chowan looks primed to build on that success.
Veteran Leadership Leads the Way
The heart of this year's squad lies in a senior class that has grown up with the program. Seniors Kyra Helton, Haileigh Boone, Hannah Moseley, and Kendyl Elliott have been Hawks since their freshman year, while Hope Soria and Abby Rutledge enter their final season after two years at Chowan. Senior Saige Roughton, now serving as the team's manager, will also graduate with the group.
"All of these seniors are special in their own way," Bailey said. "They were freshmen when I came in, and they bought in. They believed in the direction of our program, and this season is a reflection of that belief."
Helton, a four-year starter and Elon, N.C. native, enters the season as one of the Hawks' players to watch. After a breakout 2024 campaign in which she hit .392 with 51 hits and a .436 on-base percentage, Helton followed up with another strong season in 2025, batting .325 while scoring 32 runs and stealing 28 bases. Defensively, she has recorded 213 career putouts and owns a .972 career fielding percentage. The strong-armed right fielder collected seven putouts a year ago. While that number isn't extraordinary for an infielder, it speaks volumes of her outfield presence. From her outfield position she threw seven runners out trying to advance a base. Speaking of advancing bases, Helton stole 28 bags a year ago and fits into Bailey's aggressive baserunning coaching philosophy perfectly.
In the circle, Boone anchors the pitching staff after a historic 2025 season. The Hawks' ace recorded eight wins last season with three shutouts over 91.1 innings. She held opponents to a .253 batting average. Her no-hitter in the Conference Carolinas Championship marked the first in tournament history and coincided with her 150th career strikeout.
Moseley returns to full action after an injury-shortened 2025 season. Known for her defensive reliability, she enters the year with a .918 career fielding percentage and will look to reestablish herself as a key presence in the field.
Elliott, a senior from Wilmington, N.C., will miss the season due to injury but remains an invaluable asset, providing leadership and experience after spending her career contributing as both a pitcher and first baseman.
Soria, a transfer from Frank Phillips Community College, made an immediate impact in her debut season, appearing in 38 games with 26 starts. She added speed on the bases and reliability in the field, posting a .969 fielding percentage with 151 putouts.
Rutledge, another player to watch for 2026 season, continues to develop into a key arm for the Hawks. The Middleburg, Florida. native logged 60.2 innings in 2025, striking out 62 batters while limiting opponents to a .242 average. Defensively, she recorded a .967 fielding percentage.
Depth, Development, and Rising Contributors
Beyond the senior class, Chowan returns a strong core of underclassmen who have already made their mark. Junior Ava Mizell has emerged as a vocal leader since arriving in 2023 and continues to be a catalyst at the plate after hitting .309 in 2025. Mizell legged out seven doubles and stole 28 bags a year ago and will help shore up the infield this season on the defensive side of the ball.
Calliope James is a versatile threat from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She hit .348 last season while starting every contest and added a team-high 47 hits and 32 runs scored, pairing offensive production with steady defense in left field.
"Calliope covers a lot of ground in the outfield," said Bailey. "She is a great hitter and baserunner as well."
Junior Alexis Denham adds experience in the outfield after appearing in 42 games a season ago. She also is versatile enough to play either middle infield position in Bailey's line-up.
Lenita Bryson continues to be a cornerstone of the lineup. The junior catcher/third baseman started every game in 2025, recording 41 hits, four home runs, and a .308 batting average. Bryson also represented Conference Carolinas at the 2025 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Symposium, a testament of her hard work on and off the field that will create opportunities for her in the coming years after graduating.
Emily Fowler returns healthy after battling injuries last season and looks ready to make a major impact. Fowler can play first base as well as pitch in situations for the Hawks. After a year of healing, Fowler looks to return stronger for 2026.
"She has the opportunity to be a huge part of what we do this season," Bailey said as he reflected on her recovery journey and the work she has put in during the off season to be ready. Fowler is another who is no stranger to the Hawks program customs and has what it takes to truly make a difference inside of the circle this season.
Sophomores Kaitlyn Springle and Makenzi Curry headline a young group ready to build on strong freshman seasons. Springle appeared in 47 games with 46 starts in 2025, while Curry battled injuries but still impressed with 25 strikeouts, a .319 batting average, and a .944 fielding percentage. Morgan Baccus and Madison Ford also return with valuable experience gained during their first collegiate season. Baccus played in 17 games a year ago in the middle infield while Ford saw time in 15 games, primarily at the first base position.
New Faces, Immediate Impact
Chowan welcomes three junior transfers this season in Ashley Beamon (Richard Bland College), Hydee Kugler (Louisburg College), and spring addition Julianna Kellogg. Each brings positional flexibility and competitive experience that will add immediate depth to the roster, and more importantly, options for Bailey's line-up card.
The freshman class rounds out the team with players the coaching staff targeted early in the recruiting process. Lexie Ritchie (infield), Cheyenne Forbes (utility), Ryleigh Gough (utility), catcher Blair Elliott Nichols, Callie Tyndall (utility), and twins Lauren and Bailey Weston who play at the pitcher and catcher positions.
Excellence Beyond the Diamond
Chowan softball continues to excel in the classroom as well as on the field. In addition to Bryson's participation in the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Symposium earlier this year, many of Bailey's players are Presidential Ambassadors, Leadership Scholars, and active within the University's Campus Ministries.
Together, these experiences reflect a program committed to developing leaders who represent Chowan with excellence in all fields.
Season Greetings
The Hawks open the 2026 season at home on Saturday, February 1, hosting Virginia Union in a doubleheader at the CU Softball Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon, followed by game two at 2 pm. Chowan will then travel to CIAA members Elizabeth City State and Virginia State before heading to Florida for a mid-February tournament hosted by Flagler. After hosting a home tournament on February 19, the Hawks will compete in a three-day event in Raleigh before opening conference play at Barton on March 3.
Community support will play a major role this season as the Hawks look to strengthen connections beyond the field.
"Come out—we'd love to have folks be part of the field crew, regulars who want to get their fingers dirty," Bailey said with a smile. "We'll recognize you."
Chowan softball isn't just chasing wins—it's continuing to build something meaningful. Backed by the Chowan community and driven by purpose, the Hawks are ready to soar into the season.
