BOCA RATON, Fla. – Entering the 2026 season, the Lynn University softball program does so with renewed energy, a resilient mindset and continued momentum under fifth-year head coach Cassi Pickett.
 
After a fall focused on development and preparation, Pickett sees this spring as both a fresh start and a continuation of the culture the program has built.
 
"I'm really excited about being in year five and turning over a new group," Pickett said. "Last year's seniors meant a lot to me, but this team allows us to keep growing on what we've built so far."
 
One of the most anticipated developments of the 2026 season is Lynn's move into its new home softball facility on campus. After several seasons without a permanent home, the Fighting Knights finally have a space of their own.
 
"This team has had to be resilient for the last four years," Pickett said. "To finally have a home that's state-of-the-art and has everything we need is huge. It elevates our program and helps us compete more efficiently in this conference."
 
Lynn will debut at the new facility this spring as the Fighting Knights kick off their homestand, hosting Keiser in a doubleheader, followed by early home dates against St. Thomas (Fla.) and Kutztown.
 
The 2026 roster features a strong core of sophomores and juniors, complemented by veteran seniors and a freshman class expected to compete immediately. After fielding a young lineup a season ago, Pickett has already seen noticeable growth from her returners.
 
"Our freshmen from last year have grown so much and are much more comfortable," Pickett said. "We've got a great mix of experience and talent across the roster."
 
That balance includes the addition of new faces such as freshmen Allie Morgan and Kaela Santiago, who add depth and flexibility as Lynn continues to develop competition across the field. They join a group of experienced returners who have been central to the program's growth, including Kyleigh Hope and Onnalee Floriano, both of whom bring versatility and leadership, along with Ariana Rego, who returns as a steady presence capable of contributing in multiple roles.
 
Offensively, Lynn's identity is built on speed, pressure and versatility. Sophomore Aiyana Hicks, who hit .286 last season, returns as a key spark at the top of the lineup.
 
"Aiyana is a huge asset," Pickett said. "Her speed is unmatched, and she's a threat on the bases offensively and defensively."
 
Junior Teagan Riley anchors the middle of the order, returning as the team's primary power presence.
 
"Tegan has a phenomenal bat," Pickett said. "With her consistency and growth this offseason, I'm really excited about what she'll bring."
 
Pickett's offensive philosophy blends speed and consistency with an emphasis on creating constant pressure.
 
"I love a fast offense," she said. "Putting pressure on defenses, keeping runners on base and creating a little chaos…that's who we want to be."
 
In the circle, Lynn looks to replace key innings with a combination of experience and added depth. Gabriella Lindsey is expected to step into a larger role, while Kayley Zazzali, and new addition to the bullpen Savannah Ellis round out a pitching staff built to handle the demands of a 50-game schedule.
 
Defensively, repetition and consistency have been major points of emphasis throughout preseason workouts.
 
"We take a lot of defensive reps every day," Pickett said. "That repetition is what helps things transfer when it matters."
 
Mental preparation remains a cornerstone of the program, particularly over the length of the season.
 
"Mental health is my number one priority," Pickett said. "It's a long spring, and consistency comes from growing personally as much as athletically."
 
Lynn opens the season at the Valkyrie Classic in Spartanburg, S.C. this weekend, before navigating a demanding nonconference slate and a Sunshine State Conference schedule widely regarded as one of Division II's toughest.
 
"Our conference is one of the best in the country," Pickett said. "You have to be at your best all the time, but it's something we thrive on."
 
When asked to describe her team in one word, Pickett didn't hesitate.
 
"Resilient."
 
With a new home, a maturing roster and a challenging schedule ahead, the Fighting Knights enter 2026 focused on growth, consistency and competing every day.