The 2025 Mulerider Softball team delivered one of the most top-tier seasons in program history, finishing with an impressive 43–10 overall record and a stellar 28–4 mark in Great American
Conference (GAC) play. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jason Anderson, now entering his 11th year at the helm, Southern Arkansas combined elite-level pitching, timely offense, and disciplined defense to not only capture the GAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships but also earn a berth as a host for the NCAA Central Regional Tournament.
Team 27 made its mark early and often. With a powerful offensive presence, the Muleriders posted a .296 batting average on the year, compiling 424 hits, 45 home runs, and 274 runs scored. Junior outfielder Regan Dillon (.351 AVG, 12 HR, 38 RBIs) and graduate catcher Sophia Stoddard (.350 AVG, .910 OPS) played key roles in driving the team’s offensive engine. Their leadership at the plate fueled several big wins throughout the season, including a remarkable 15-run outburst against Southwestern Oklahoma State.
While the offense consistently delivered, it was the Muleriders’ dominance in the circle that truly set them apart. Led by senior ace Brinson Rogers, the pitching staff compiled a 1.60 team ERA and allowed just 97 runs across 53 games. Rogers alone accounted for 30 wins, 309 strikeouts, and an astonishing 0.93 ERA over 233.1 innings, recording 18 shutouts and asserting herself as one of the best pitchers in the nation. She was supported by fellow standout Kassie Rhodes, who brought depth and consistency to the rotation, helping suppress opposing offenses all season long.
“Stepping into a program with this much history and legacy is intimidating.
I knew from the first day of practice that I had big shoes to fill. In nine short
months, I became a better teammate, student, athlete, friend, and daughter.
I learned that being a Southern Arkansas Mulerider is more than just the wins;
it’s the grind, the resilience, the growth, the selflessness. It’s about embracing
the moment, chasing greatness, and memories to last a lifetime. Many states
and miles away from my family, friends, and support systems, I found a place
that felt equally like home. Wearing SAU on my chest has been a privilege, and I
hope to have left the program even better than I found it”
Sophia Stoddard
Southern Arkansas also spent significant time in the national spotlight. Ranked in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s (NFCA) Division II Top 25 for the final five weeks of the season, the Muleriders climbed as high as ninth and finished the regular season ranked 12th.
Among the many highlights of this season was a 27-game winning streak— the longest active streak in all divisions of college softball at the time. Though the streak ended in the opener of the final home series against Southeastern Oklahoma State, SAU bounced back to win the final two games, clinching its fifth regular-season conference title and its first outright GAC championship since 2019.
With momentum on their side, the Muleriders entered the GAC Tournament in Bentonville, Arkansas, as the top seed and emerged victorious, claiming their third tournament title in program history after making a fourth-straight appearance in the championship game.
At the heart of the team’s success was the dynamic battery of Brinson Rogers and Sophia Stoddard, whose on-field chemistry and leadership shaped the season’s outcome. Rogers’ dominance was recognized with a cascade of honors: GAC Pitcher of the Year, NFCA and D2CCA First Team All-Region, D2CCA and NFCA DII National Pitcher of the Year, and First Team All-American. She was also named the Dr. Margaret Downing Female Athlete of the Year and GAC Female Athlete of the Year. Rogers additionally racked up ten GAC Pitcher of the Week nods and four NFCA DII national weekly honors, capping one of the most decorated seasons by a Mulerider pitcher in history.
Equally impactful was Stoddard, who had a breakout year behind the plate and in the batter’s box. She served as the team’s on-field leader, managing the pitching staff with elite instincts, blocking and framing with precision, and making clutch plays in critical moments. Her performance earned her All-GAC Second Team honors, the 2024–25 Mulerider Athletics Female Newcomer of the Year award, and recognition as an NFCA DII Golden Glove recipient.
Together, Rogers and Stoddard anchored one of the most successful Mulerider Softball teams to date. Their excellence set new standards for future teams and etched their names into the program’s proud legacy. The 2025 season will be remembered not only for its historic wins and accolades but also for the heart, hustle, and leadership that defined Team 27.
“My time at SAU shaped me into who I am today—on and off thefield—and for that, I’ll always be grateful. It taught me to be where myfeet are, to embrace every moment, and no matter where life takesme, SAU will always feel like home.”Brinson Rogers
