Christendom Softball Returns With 2026 Season
Front Royal, Va. – The Christendom College softball program has announced its upcoming schedule as the Lady Crusaders prepare for the 2026 season under head coach Jim Bell, marking the official return of women's softball to campus. With a renewed focus on player development, leadership, and community engagement, Christendom enters the spring with optimism and momentum as the program begins a new chapter.
The Lady Crusaders open the season on the road with a doubleheader at Mid-Atlantic Christian College on Saturday, March 28, followed by a midweek matchup at Allegany College (MD) on March 31. Christendom continues its early road stretch with a doubleheader at Hagerstown Community College on April 10 before returning home to begin its home slate.
Home action begins April 17 with a doubleheader against Mid-Atlantic Christian College, followed by a Saturday twin bill versus Bucks County Community College on April 18. The Lady Crusaders will host Hagerstown Community College for a midweek doubleheader on April 21 before closing the regular season on the road with a doubleheader at Bucks County on April 25.
Season Outlook
The return of Christendom softball has been defined by intentional preparation and strong leadership under Coach Bell, who wasted no time implementing a structured strength and conditioning program during the fall semester.
"The focus for the ladies was to build maximum strength and sport-specific strength that translates to power and speed development," said Bell. "This helps prepare the body for game-like scenarios. Workouts were shorter, low in volume, high in intensity, and strategically scheduled to avoid overtraining while prioritizing injury prevention heading into in-season competition."
Leadership will play a central role in the program's foundation, as Bell named Clare Witter (Senior), Anna Petrolia (Junior), and Cat Witter (Sophomore) as team captains entering the season. Each brings a combination of maturity, competitive experience, and fundamental skill development that sets the standard for the roster.
The fall semester also saw significant growth off the field, with players participating in recruiting efforts, team bonding activities, and high-profile community involvement through travel and collegiate softball clinics across the Virginia region. Notably, Cat Witter represented Christendom College at an NCSA College Softball Prospects Clinic in November 2025, assisting with skill development and speed and agility training for aspiring collegiate athletes.
"It was an amazing experience to represent our college and to teach and mold young ladies who want to play at the next level," Witter said.
As Christendom prepares to open its season on March 28, 2026, Coach Bell expressed excitement for the program's return and encouraged support from the campus and local community throughout the spring.
With a clear developmental vision, emerging leadership, and a competitive schedule ahead, the Lady Crusaders enter the 2026 season focused on growth, competitiveness, and establishing Christendom softball for years to come.