ASU Softball Shines, Hockey Faces Exodus in Transfer Portal

Sun Devils softball star Kenzie Brown dominates, while hockey program loses key players to the transfer portal

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:19pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the motion and intensity of a college sports competition, with sharp planes of color and form representing the players and action on the field or ice.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic action and energy of college sports, capturing the essence of ASU's standout softball and hockey programs.Phoenix Today

The Arizona State University (ASU) softball team had a standout performance, with senior pitcher Kenzie Brown recording a season-high 16 strikeouts in a 5-1 win over No. 19/24 Grand Canyon University. Meanwhile, the ASU hockey program has been hit hard by the transfer portal, with nine players entering and seven finding new homes, including the loss of elite forward Cullen Potter to Michigan State.

Why it matters

The ASU softball team's strong showing against a ranked opponent boosts their postseason résumé, while the hockey program's exodus of players through the transfer portal raises concerns about the team's depth and competitiveness for the upcoming season.

The details

In the softball game, Brown's 16 strikeouts were nearly double the previous single-game high for any ASU pitcher against GCU. Offensively, third baseman Emily Schepp hit a two-out solo home run in the fourth inning, followed by second baseman Tiare Ho-Ching's bases-clearing double to put the Sun Devils ahead 4-0. The hockey program has seen a significant impact from the transfer portal, with nine players entering and seven finding new homes, including the loss of elite forward Cullen Potter to Michigan State. Other notable transfers include defensemen Joel Kjellberg, Anthony Dowd, and Brasen Boser. The Sun Devils have added five new commitments, including forward Ben Muthersbaugh, who recorded 36 points last season.

  • On April 14, Kenzie Brown recorded a season-high 16 strikeouts in ASU's 5-1 win at No. 19/24 Grand Canyon.
  • The transfer portal opened on April 13, and as of April 15, nine ASU hockey players have entered the portal.

The players

Kenzie Brown

A senior pitcher for the ASU softball team who recorded a season-high 16 strikeouts in a win over Grand Canyon University.

Cullen Potter

An elite forward for the ASU hockey team who sustained a season-ending left shoulder injury on January 10 and has since committed to transfer to Michigan State.

Ben Muthersbaugh

A sophomore forward who the ASU hockey team has added as a new commitment, coming from Union College where he recorded 36 points last season.

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What they’re saying

“Kenzie Brown's strikeout total was nearly double the previous single-game high for any ASU pitcher in a game against GCU.”

— Jenna Ortiz, Reporter

What’s next

The ASU softball team will try to boost its postseason résumé with a big road trip at Houston (20-15, 3-15) that begins on Friday, April 17, at 4 p.m.

The takeaway

The ASU softball team's dominant performance against a ranked opponent showcases their potential for postseason success, while the hockey program's significant player exodus through the transfer portal raises concerns about the team's depth and competitiveness moving forward.