Softball to Compete at NFCA NAIA Leadoff Classic

Louisville, Kentucky- The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced its 2026 NAIA Leadoff Classic schedule as the Brenau softball team looks to compete against some of the top NAIA teams at the tournament on February 27th and 28th.

On the opening day of the two-day classic, the Golden Tigers first take on a fellow Georgia university, Thomas University, at 3:30 pm Eastern time. During the 2025 season, the Night Hawks posted a 30-22 record and qualified for the 2025 NAIA National Championship.

 Immediately following, the squad moves over to the South Commons Complex stadium for a matchup with perennial NAIA powerhouse, Rio Grande (Ohio). The RedStorm posted a 46-11 record last season and finished ranked 25th nationally in the final NAIA Softball Top-25 poll.

The competition will continue on Saturday as the team will take on Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) and the United States Sports University in back-to-back games. The Blue Raiders of Lindsey Wilson sported a 24-win team last season, and most recently took on the Golden Tigers in the 2020-21 NAIA National Tournament. The US Sports Academy is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and will bring its second-year softball team to the prestigious classic.

"We are looking forward to the 2026 season," said head coach Devon Thomas. "We expect that our more experienced pitching staff and our returning All-Americans (senior Whitney Hulsey and junior Ava Moon) will lead the way.

"The NFCA Classic is a competitive field, and we look forward to opening our season against good competition". 

The Golden Tigers return all starters from the NAIA's top-ranked offense and 34-win team. 

For complete information about the classic, click here.