📈 Season Recap: 40 Wins, Endless Fight…read more…
Alabama entered the 2025 season with question marks across its roster — a mix of veterans like Kali Heivilin and newcomers like Audrey Vandagriff, who would go on to become one of the most exciting freshman stories in the SEC.
The Tide battled through a tough non-conference slate and an even tougher Southeastern Conference schedule to notch a 40–23 overall record and a 12–12 SEC record. That placed them squarely in contention for postseason hosting duties, and they were awarded the No. 15 national seed — their 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Their campaign included wins over ranked opponents such as LSU, Missouri, and Florida, with standout performances in both extra-inning thrillers and dominant shutouts. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was undeniably Alabama — a team that never stopped fighting.
🏆 Tuscaloosa Regional: Holding Home Turf
Rhoads Stadium was once again electric as Alabama hosted the Tuscaloosa Regional in late May. In classic Tide fashion, they dug deep to emerge from the bracket and punch their ticket to the Super Regionals.
The combination of timely hitting, flawless defense, and clutch pitching from Jocelyn Briski proved enough to hold off teams like Clemson and Cal. With the home crowd behind them, Alabama played with energy and edge — elements that have become synonymous with postseason softball in Tuscaloosa.
❌ Super Regional Setback: Oklahoma Dominates
The Tide’s tournament run came to an abrupt halt in the Norman Super Regional, where they faced off against perennial powerhouse Oklahoma. In Game 2, Alabama suffered a 13–2 loss on May 24, 2025, eliminating them from the tournament and ending their season.
It was a sobering finish, but no shame in losing to a Sooners team that has dominated the sport for much of the last decade. The loss, while painful, was also fuel — and Alabama will use it to build momentum into 2026.
🌟 Breakout Stars of 2025
🎯 Audrey Vandagriff (Fr., Utility)
One of the brightest spots of the season, Vandagriff was a revelation. She earned First Team All-SEC honors, hit over .340 on the year, and was a top 10 finalist for the NFCA Freshman of the Year Award.
Whether it was blasting homers or making diving catches, Vandagriff became a cornerstone for the Tide and will be a name to watch nationally going forward.
🔥 Kali Heivilin (Sr., 2B)
In her final season, Heivilin led the team with 15 home runs, anchored the infield, and brought leadership to a young squad. Her bat came alive late in the season and helped Alabama push through a brutal SEC schedule.
🧤 Jocelyn Briski (Fr., RHP)
Briski quietly became the ace of the staff by midseason. Her control, poise, and late-game presence were critical to the team’s postseason push. She was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and is already drawing comparisons to Bama pitching greats.
🔄 Roster Turnover & New Faces
The offseason brings change. Alabama will say goodbye to several veteran players, including:
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Kali Heivilin
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Kendal Clark
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Emily Winstead
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Brooke Ellestad
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Catelyn Riley
But the coaching staff has already been hard at work rebuilding. Key transfers for the 2026 season include:
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Brooke Wells (utility/pitcher)
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Jena Young (INF, Big Ten standout)
Both players bring immediate experience and are expected to compete for starting roles next spring.
🧢 Coaching Stability
Patrick Murphy, now entering his 26th season at the helm, remains a steady hand for the Tide. His leadership and ability to retool year after year continues to make Alabama one of the toughest programs in the country.
Murphy is supported by:
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Lance McMahon (pitching coach)
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Kayla Braud (offensive coach & alumna)
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Adam Arbour (assistant coach)
Their unified approach helped Alabama develop one of the nation’s most consistent defenses, including a school-record 31 double plays in 2025.
🔭 2026 Outlook: Reload, Not Rebuild
The challenge now? Replacing leadership and production, while doubling down on player development. But make no mistake — Alabama is not rebuilding.
With Vandagriff, Briski, and catcher Marlie Giles returning, and transfer reinforcements on the way, the Tide are positioned to compete for their third consecutive Super Regional and beyond.
The SEC remains brutal, but Alabama’s culture — one built on tradition, toughness, and talent — means they’ll always be in the fight.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
The 2025 season may not have ended in Oklahoma City, but it offered a glimpse into the next era of Alabama Softball — an era led by fearless freshmen, tireless veterans, and a coach who never stops believing.
With 40 wins, an NCAA seed, and a returning core, the Crimson Tide remain one of the gold standards in college softball.
Roll Tide.
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