Northwestern softball seniors reflect on offseason work, new stadium

Four veteran players discuss cultivating team culture, advocating for improved facilities

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Northwestern softball's four senior infielders - Kansas Robinson, Kelsey Nader, Bridget Donahey, and Grace Nieto - have been integral to the team's success over the past three seasons. This offseason, the group participated in leadership development sessions and advocated for the construction of a new on-campus stadium, which is now underway but won't be completed until next season. The seniors discuss how they've worked to maintain the program's cultural continuity and what it will mean to play their final home games at a temporary venue.

Why it matters

Northwestern softball has been a top program for years, but the seniors felt the team deserved improved facilities to match their success. By advocating for the new stadium, the players are ensuring the program's continued growth and leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit future Wildcats.

The details

The four seniors - Robinson, Nader, Donahey, and Nieto - have combined for 480 hits, 284 RBIs, and 65 home runs over the past three seasons, helping the team rack up 110 wins and reach the NCAA Tournament each year. This offseason, the group participated in 10 weeks of Zoom calls with the coaching staff to hone their leadership skills, reading 'The Team Captain's Leadership Manual' and discussing their strengths and weaknesses. Head coach Kate Drohan said these types of calls have been rare during her 24-year tenure, but she plans to host them every offseason moving forward.

  • The four seniors have spent their entire collegiate careers at Northwestern.
  • Nieto is the only remaining player from the Wildcats' 2022 Women's College World Series team.
  • In September 2025, the team gathered at a City Council meeting to advocate for the new on-campus stadium, which is now underway but won't be completed until the 2026 season.

The players

Kate Drohan

The head coach of the Northwestern softball team for the past 24 years, known for cultivating a strong team culture and alumni network.

Kansas Robinson

A senior infielder who has been one of the team's top hitters for the past three seasons.

Grace Nieto

A graduate student infielder and the only remaining player from the Wildcats' 2022 Women's College World Series team.

Bridget Donahey

A senior infielder known for her understated sense of humor.

Kelsey Nader

A senior infielder who believes in striking a balance between enjoying fun and working hard.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 'six-seven' jokes never stop with us, and neither (do) the 'your mom' jokes. Any opportunity to find a crack and laugh is a really good opportunity for us.”

— Kelsey Nader, Senior infielder (dailynorthwestern.com)

“We were already very close, but sometimes being that close prevents you from being vulnerable. So I think we were just able to connect on a deeper level.”

— Kansas Robinson, Senior infielder (dailynorthwestern.com)

“I would give that speech 100 times over. I think it's just really important for not only Northwestern softball, but obviously, women's sports in general, for us to get the facilities we deserve.”

— Kansas Robinson, Senior infielder (dailynorthwestern.com)

What’s next

The new on-campus stadium for the Northwestern softball team is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The senior leadership of the Northwestern softball team has been instrumental in maintaining the program's strong culture and advocating for improved facilities to support the team's continued success. Their commitment to the team and to women's sports as a whole will leave a lasting legacy that will benefit future Wildcats.