Wheaton Softball Looks to Improve in 2026 Season

New head coach Chris Branstetter takes over a program coming off its best season in years.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:53am

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Wheaton softball has a new head coach in Chris Branstetter this season. He takes over a program coming off a 12-win season, which was the most for the program since becoming a spring softball team in 2015. The team is looking to build on that success and finish above .500 this year.

Why it matters

Wheaton softball has struggled in recent years, so the 12-win season in 2025 represented a significant step forward for the program. The hiring of a new head coach and return of several key starters suggest the team could be poised for continued improvement and a potential playoff berth in 2026.

The details

Branstetter highlighted the team's varsity experience and growing defensive identity as key strengths. The pitching staff will be anchored by junior Georgia Mae Harris and sophomore Rylee Stansberry, while junior Meyah Peckham and freshman Addey Schlessman will handle catching duties. The field lineup features versatility, with players like Kinsey Pettengill, Kylie Hardwick, and Hallie Potarf expected to contribute across the infield.

  • Wheaton opens the season on March 21 at the Cheri Nash Memorial Tournament in Verona.

The players

Chris Branstetter

The new head coach of the Wheaton softball team, taking over a program that won 12 games last season - its most since becoming a spring team in 2015.

Georgia Mae Harris

A junior who will anchor the Wheaton pitching staff alongside sophomore Rylee Stansberry.

Meyah Peckham

A junior who will handle catching duties for Wheaton this season.

Kinsey Pettengill

A junior expected to start at first base for the Wheaton Bulldogs.

Avery Schlessman

A junior who will lead Wheaton's outfield in center field.

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What they’re saying

“Team strengths include the varsity experience gained last year and a growing defensive identity, which will remain a focal point moving forward.”

— Chris Branstetter, Head Coach

“Expectations for the season include finishing above .500 and showing consistent improvement game by game.”

— Chris Branstetter, Head Coach

“The pitching staff will be anchored by junior Georgia Mae Harris and sophomore Rylee Stansberry. They are a dependable duo known for their command and ability to locate pitches effectively.”

— Chris Branstetter, Head Coach

“Defensively, the Bulldogs will feature versatility across the field.”

— Chris Branstetter, Head Coach

What’s next

Wheaton opens the season on March 21 at the Cheri Nash Memorial Tournament in Verona.

The takeaway

After a 12-win season in 2025, the most in years, Wheaton softball is looking to build on that momentum under new head coach Chris Branstetter. With several key starters returning and a focus on defense and consistency, the Bulldogs are aiming to finish above .500 and continue their upward trajectory in 2026.