Softball America has posted their preview of Duke's upcoming season (paywalled): https://www.on3.com/softball/news/2025-preview-duke/ The preview is based in part upon interviews with the coaching staff, so there's some genuine new news there, which I'll summarize a bit without quoting (SA is worth the price of admission).
First, apparently Young mentioned that our four incoming freshmen have dealt with a few injuries. The only person whose injury is known is pitcher Gabriella Mike, one of three pitchers we have in our frosh class (although Hailey Shuler may also bat), but no idea on how bad. The article further highlights that the plan going into the season may be for Cassidy Curd to be the #1 starter (as expected) and for Dani Drogemuller (who turns out to have another year of eligibility) and Sophie Garner-MacKinnon to compete for that two spot. That's not exactly comforting despite Young claiming Sophie has made "significant strides", as both pitchers have been rather not good against elite competition.
Second, with regards to hitters, Young mentioned that utility Frosh Brooklinn Thomas may play in the outfield and may start because she's supposedly excellent at D with "speed and ability to hit into the gaps", which honestly doesn't sound like a lot of power. Transfer KK Mathis will absolutely provide that power at first base. Transfer Thessa Malau'ulu, the UCLA transfer who can be good defensively but can't hit, is also a possible starter at third, which would push Ana Gold to DP. And Hailey Shuler, the aforementioned two way player, may also make the lineup.
First, apparently Young mentioned that our four incoming freshmen have dealt with a few injuries. The only person whose injury is known is pitcher Gabriella Mike, one of three pitchers we have in our frosh class (although Hailey Shuler may also bat), but no idea on how bad. The article further highlights that the plan going into the season may be for Cassidy Curd to be the #1 starter (as expected) and for Dani Drogemuller (who turns out to have another year of eligibility) and Sophie Garner-MacKinnon to compete for that two spot. That's not exactly comforting despite Young claiming Sophie has made "significant strides", as both pitchers have been rather not good against elite competition.
Second, with regards to hitters, Young mentioned that utility Frosh Brooklinn Thomas may play in the outfield and may start because she's supposedly excellent at D with "speed and ability to hit into the gaps", which honestly doesn't sound like a lot of power. Transfer KK Mathis will absolutely provide that power at first base. Transfer Thessa Malau'ulu, the UCLA transfer who can be good defensively but can't hit, is also a possible starter at third, which would push Ana Gold to DP. And Hailey Shuler, the aforementioned two way player, may also make the lineup.
