As the 2026 season approaches, excitement is building around the Culver-Stockton College Lady Wildcats softball program. Head Coach Rod Radcliffe, now entering his fifth year at the Hill, is confident that this year’s team is ready to embrace the challenge ahead and continue building a strong foundation for the program.
Coach Radcliffe expressed excitement about the upcoming season, citing increased depth as a key strength. “We are very excited about the challenge of this season,” Radcliffe said. “We have more depth this season, so we are confident in competing.” That depth has allowed the Wildcats to raise the level of competition in practice, something Radcliffe believes will translate to success on the field.
Looking ahead to year five, Radcliffe believes fans should be most excited about the team’s culture and work ethic. According to him, the Lady Wildcats are a group that fully embraces the team concept. “They compete against each other in practices, and you will see a team that cares about their teammates,” he said. “That is the culture we are trying to build at C-SC.” This commitment to one another has become a defining characteristic of the program.
Radcliffe’s coaching journey includes experience at the Division I level with Rutgers University, making his transition to Culver-Stockton a significant shift. He described the move to the NAIA level as a “total change,” noting both challenges and positives. While Division I programs often demand more daily time devoted strictly to skill development, Radcliffe appreciates the balance found at Culver-Stockton. “The athletes we work with at the NAIA level are great students that love to play softball,” he said. “NAIA is a level to give the athletes a great experience and help them be the best they can be as an athlete.” He also emphasized the closer team bonding and strong work ethic present within the Wildcats’ program.
When asked about players to watch this season, Radcliffe chose to focus on the team as a whole rather than individual names. He highlighted the leadership and dedication of the seven seniors, along with the impact of new transfers and younger athletes who have already made their mark. “Everyone on the team is important to our success,” he said, adding that he feels fortunate to coach such a committed group across both varsity and reserve teams.
Last season the Wildcats ended with a 11-39 record and a 4-20 record in conference play. Coach now explains the changes that the Wildcat fans should be excited about. “We have formed a leadership group that has taken ownership of the team as a whole,” he said. “If you have athletes that are invested in the program, you will start to see a change in the culture.” While every season brings new challenges, the expectations remain the same: continuous growth and improvement.
With strong leadership, increased depth, and a culture rooted in teamwork, the 2026 Lady Wildcats appear poised for an exciting season. As Coach Radcliffe continues to guide the program forward, Culver-Stockton fans can look forward to watching a team that competes hard, supports one another, and represents the values of the college both on and off the field.
Thank you, Coach Radcliffe, for your time and insight as the Lady Wildcats prepare for the 2026 season.
