Sunshine to D2 Postseason
Dominant in the Sunshine: Eight Powerhouse Softball Programs Shine at THE Spring Games and Blaze a Trail to the Postseason
Every spring, hundreds of collegiate softball teams descend upon Central Florida for THE Spring Games, the largest collegiate softball event in the world. But in 2025, a select group of programs didn’t just participate — they dominated. Eight standout programs used the high-level competition, elite facilities, and exposure of THE Spring Games to kick off a season that would ultimately carry them deep into the postseason spotlight.
The teams:
Bentley University
Hillsdale College
Saint Martins University
Shepherd University
Southern New Hampshire University
Tiffin University
University of Findlay
University of Indianapolis
Each of these programs made their presence known early in the season during their time in Florida. Collectively, they posted impressive win-loss records, handled pressure-packed matchups, and showcased the depth, pitching, and defensive discipline that would become hallmarks of their postseason success.
Building Championship DNA in Florida
For many teams, THE Spring Games serve as a proving ground — and for these eight, it became the foundation of a title-contending campaign. Coaches credited the event’s competitive atmosphere and loaded schedules as essential to preparing their teams for conference play.
Southern New Hampshire University, for example, went undefeated at THE Spring Games, their offense firing on all cylinders. That momentum carried through a dominant NE10 run and into regional postseason play.
University of Findlay and Tiffin University, two GMAC powers, faced off against top national competition in Clermont — a preview of the grit and endurance they would later show in the NCAA tournament.
Hillsdale College, known for its tactical execution, turned heads by knocking off multiple ranked opponents during the event — a confidence booster that helped them surge late in the season.
THE Spring Games: A National Launchpad
The 2025 edition of THE Spring Games featured over 400 teams across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA, and JUCO. Yet it was these eight programs that used the opportunity to test themselves against national contenders, scout their own rosters under pressure, and build the chemistry necessary for championship-level play.
“This is where our season turned,” said one coach. “Florida gave us a taste of high-stakes softball before it even counted in the standings. And that experience is what prepared us for May.”
From Central Florida to NCAA Regional Brackets
When the NCAA regional selections were announced, all eight teams had earned their spot — proof that what began under the Florida sun ended with national recognition.
For athletes, THE Spring Games wasn’t just a tournament; it was a launching pad. For coaches, it was a measuring stick. And for softball fans, it was the first glimpse of postseason greatness.
