Virginia Tech Softball Players Excited for 2026 Season

Jordan Lynch, Emma Mazzarone, and Annika Rohs discuss team goals, newcomers, and offseason preparations

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Virginia Tech softball players Jordan Lynch, Emma Mazzarone, and Annika Rohs spoke to the media at the team's 2026 Media Day, sharing their thoughts on the team's offseason, goals for the upcoming season, and excitement about the new additions to the roster.

Why it matters

The Virginia Tech softball team has made the NCAA Regionals three years in a row but is looking to take the next step and advance to the Super Regionals. The players' comments provide insight into the team's mindset and preparations as they aim to reach that goal.

The details

The players discussed the team's offseason work, including having former Hokies Emma Lemley, Cori McMillan, and Bre Peck as assistant coaches during fall ball practice. They also talked about the team's newcomers from the transfer portal and incoming freshmen, and how the experienced players are helping the new additions integrate. The players expressed confidence in the team's depth, especially in the pitching staff, and their belief that the lineup will be just as strong despite the departure of some key hitters.

  • The 2026 Virginia Tech softball season begins in about a week.
  • The team has been practicing indoors due to a winter storm affecting Blacksburg.

The players

Jordan Lynch

A Virginia Tech softball player who is taking on a greater leadership role this season.

Emma Mazzarone

A Virginia Tech softball player who is expected to take on a larger role in the pitching staff this season.

Annika Rohs

A Virginia Tech softball player who is confident in the team's depth and lineup for the upcoming season.

Emma Lemley

A former Virginia Tech softball player who is now an assistant coach, providing valuable experience and mentorship to the current team.

Cori McMillan

A former Virginia Tech softball player who is now an assistant coach, bringing her expertise to the current team.

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What they’re saying

“We're gonna be just as strong. Yeah, it sucks not having them on our roster, but we have no problem filling the spots, and we're very excited for the season.”

— Annika Rohs, Virginia Tech Softball Player

“I think Coach Josh [Johnson] helped a lot. We definitely have a lot of depth in our staff too, which is fun. With Sophie [Kleiman] and Cassie [Grizzard] being seniors. I think all of us are prepared to take on a much bigger role. So, we'll be excited to see all things out.”

— Emma Mazzarone, Virginia Tech Softball Player

“I really don't think we have one thing to work on and get better at. I think if we go in this year, we all have one common goal. We're gonna go to the World Series. We're gonna win the World Series. So, just keep working at that. I don't think we need to focus on, hone in on one thing to change. Because that just puts pressure on us.”

— Jordan Lynch, Virginia Tech Softball Player

What’s next

The Virginia Tech softball team will open its 2026 season with a series of games against SEC opponents, which the players hope will prepare them for their conference schedule and a potential deep postseason run.

The takeaway

The Virginia Tech softball team appears poised for a strong 2026 season, with experienced players taking on leadership roles, a talented group of newcomers, and a clear focus on reaching the Women's College World Series. The team's confidence and depth across the roster suggest they have the potential to make a deep postseason run this year.