BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The Winona State University softball team was selected fifth in the 2025 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll as the Warriors start their season. Sam Keller and Izzy Howe were named the Player and the Pitcher to Watch for the Warriors. 

WSU collected 155 points in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll earning a fifth place ranking right behind Minnesota Duluth, who collected 157 points in the poll, and right above Minot State, who collected 125 points. Augustana collected 196 points earning the first place ranking in the preseason poll. In the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, Concordia-St. Paul's sophomore, Alexis Monty was voted the Preseason Player of the Year. Augustana's senior, Grace Glanzer was voted to be the Preseason Pitcher of the Year.

The Warriors finished their 2024 season ranked sixth in the NSIC. Entering his 25th season with the Winona State softball program, head coach Greg Jones noted, "We will be young this year, but I am excited about the opportunities. As we replace our entire infield and some very strong pitchers and offensive players, we will have to rely on playing with toughness and earning our success. This league continues to turn out elite softball teams and tremendous talent. I look forward to the growth and challenges of the upcoming season."

Keller, a graduate student from Elburn, Ill., led WSU to a 33-20 record along with leading in at bats (185), home runs (8), slugging percentage (.638), on base plus slugging percentage (1.094), tied for hits (73), tied for starts (53). Keller also wrote her name down in numerous categories in the NSIC stats leaders, such as fifth in the conference in batting percentage (.393) and third in doubles (19). Head coach Jones stated, "Sam has been a vital and valuable part of the Warrior Softball Family since she walked on campus. Her play on the field and loyalty off of it embody all that is good about Winona State Softball. Sam is a tremendous leader and individual both on and off the field. She has already graduated and passed her Nursing Boards, but has dedicated herself to coming back for her final year to play the game she loves." 

Howe, a junior from St. Charles, Ill., helped the Warriors on the mound earning a 12-8 record last season. Howe also lead WSU on the mound in earned runs allowed (2.91), innings pitched (126.2), and strikeouts (138). Izzy Howe also wrote her name in numerous NSIC stats leader spots, such as being third in opposing batting average (.226) and strike outs (150). Head coach Jones stated, "Izzy is a passionate student/athlete both on the field and off. She continues to grow and develop as a pitcher. We are excited for her experience and leadership to help encourage the advancement of the rest of our pitching staff. Izzy gained valuable experience last year, and was a tremendous competitor in the circle throughout the season."

The Winona State University softball team opens their 2025 season on Tuesday, Febuary 11 in a double header against Grand View University at the RCTC dome in Rochester, Minn. before traveling down to Sioux Center, Iowa for two other dome double headers against William Jewell College and Quincy University on Febuary 16 and 17.