Igniting its 2025 campaign on Thursday, NIU softball enters the season behind veteran leadership, but with a new coach.
Entering her first season as the Huskies’ head coach, Kathryn Gleason signed with NIU on July 2.
“I am from the south suburbs of Chicago, so to be home is a great thing, and to know the history,” Gleason said. “It’s been a great group to take over ever since the fall, and I’m just really excited to get the season going next week.”
Gleason comes to DeKalb after spending nine seasons leading Northern Kentucky University. Gleason also spent time coaching Boston University, leading both programs to an NCAA tournament appearance.
The Huskies open the season at the Grand Canyon Tournament, facing off against Grand Canyon University. NIU will also compete against the University of Montana, Wichita State University and Colgate University.
The Huskies’ first home game is also their first conference game. NIU will utilize Mary M. Bell Field for the first time against Central Michigan University on March 14.
NIU will then see conference opponents leading into the Mid-American Conference tournament slated for May 7. Gleason touched on her goal of winning a MAC championship this season.
“We’ve (the team) talked about winning a MAC Championship,” Gleason said. “I told them … ‘There’s a shelf in my office that is waiting for a MAC Championship trophy.’ So we consistently talk about that, but we talk about being positive, energetic and having the opportunity to do what we do every single day.”
Under its former head coach, Christina Sutcliffe, NIU finished the 2024 season with an 18-34 record, 9-19 in the MAC. Under Sutcliffe’s direction, the Huskies haven’t appeared in the MAC tournament since 2019.
The Huskies let go of Sutcliffe on May 13, as the two parties mutually parted ways after Sutcliffe spent 12 seasons as head coach.
Despite the coaching change, NIU retained a few of its core players, including junior utility player Danielle “Dee Dee” Stewart. Stewart finished last season logging a grand slam, pitching a no-hitter and earning a spot on the All-MAC First Team.
“She’s (Stewart’s) very talented in terms of just on the mound and what she can do with her bat,” Gleason said. “We’re lucky to have her here at NIU and she’s going to make an impact on the field.”
Another experienced Huskie NIU brought back in the offseason is senior outfielder Jenna Turner. Turner has proven to be an efficient batter after tying NIU’s record for the most runs in a game with four.
“We’re (the team) really excited for the season,” Turner said. “We had a really great fall, a really great offseason, like I said, and I’m just excited to get out there and get playing.”
Taking the mound again this season for the Huskies is junior pitcher Lily Cassell, another key part of the team. Last season, Cassell sported a 2-6 record in the pitcher’s circle while striking 28 batters out.
“I’ve worked a lot on my spin and just my speed and mechanics and all the little details,” Cassell said. “At the end of the day, it’s about having the right mindset and being confident in what I throw and being confident that my team has my back.”
Outside of its regularly scheduled conference opponents, the Huskies face multiple major programs. Notable programs include the University of Mississippi, the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
