MOUNT VERNON – Robin Brand openly stated that her Cornell softball team has been a joy to coach. And the Rams are still three weeks out before Brand coaches her first collegiate game.
 
"I love it. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity," said Brand, who has compiled more than 400 wins leading Mount Vernon High School's softball program. "The players are very coachable and have been responding well. I've been so pleased with where we're at."
 
The anticipated 2026 campaign gets underway March 6-10 at the Space Coast Spring Games in Melbourne, Fla. The Rams are scheduled to play eight games on the trip, and then return to Mount Vernon for a weekend homestand against Eureka (March 21) and Loras (March 22).
 
The Rams have several key pieces back from last year's 16-20 squad that placed fifth in the Midwest Conference at 8-8. Cornell is projected fifth with 38 points in the MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll, behind favorite and defending champion Lake Forest (62 points), Illinois College (58), Grinnell (46) and Lawrence (40).
 
Cornell returns eight position players who started double-digit games last season, along with three of its top four pitchers. The group is led by senior outfielder Peyton Souhrada, a three-time first team all-MWC selection and two-time all-region honoree.
 
The program's career leader in batting average (.414), Souhrada stands ninth on Cornell's all-time hits list with 125. Souhrada batted .436 last season with 10 doubles, 25 runs, 25 RBIs and a .703 slugging percentage.
 
Junior infielder Elise Oleson is a two-time all-MWC performer, earning first team honors in 2025. She belted eight home runs last spring – the second-most ever by a Ram – and tallied 33 RBIs, four shy of the single-season school record.
 
Junior catcher Corrin Kennedy and sophomore outfielder Alexa Corona gained second team all-MWC status in their first seasons with the Rams. Kennedy carried a .404 batting average and slugged .617. Corona hit .355 and scored 24 runs.
 
Junior infielder Brianna Risley (.360 BA, 8 2B, 19 RBIs) and junior shortstop Brooke Furman (.367 BA, 12 2B, 23 RBIs) bolster an explosive lineup as returning starters. Senior Monet Roelle (.353 BA), junior Linnea Drever (.417 slugging %) and sophomore Charlotte Alexander also contributed to Cornell's impressive .334 team batting average a season ago.
 
"The girls can hit the ball, and we have depth," Brand said. "I couldn't ask for a better group of leaders. They watch out for each other and are determined to make this season their best one yet."  
 
The Rams have a mix of experience and youth in the pitching department with seven pitchers on the roster. Junior Lexi Ellermeier went 5-8 with a team-low 4.16 earned run average in 67.1 innings last season. Senior Daelynn Rhoades has 98 strikeouts in 106 career innings. Junior Hannah Edwards made nine appearances in 2025.
 
Lauren Summers, a junior transfer from Southeastern Community College, is among the key additions to the pitching staff and batting lineup. She hit .357 with 22 home runs over two seasons at SCC. 
 
"Our pitching has shown improvement," Brand said. "The staff has worked extremely hard with (pitching consultant) Lisa (Birocci-Banse)."
 
Trust, accountability and confidence are themes for this year's talented team.
 
"We're going to respect all, fear none," Brand said. "We want to elevate this program to win conference championships and get to the NCAA Tournament. That's the path we want to go."