Southwest Softball Returns Four Starters for 2026 Season

New head coach Melissa Mitchell expects senior leadership to guide Lady Trojans

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:29pm

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Southwest softball returns four starters and seven letterwinners this season, including senior leaders Jacee Durossette, Kindred Durossette, Abigail Callison, and Brianna Hoover. Durossette and Addyson Payne will handle the pitching duties, while Gracie Swanepoel returns as the starting catcher. First-year head coach Melissa Mitchell is looking forward to the team's work ethic and coachability as they aim to improve and have a successful spring season.

Why it matters

Southwest softball is looking to build on past success with a veteran roster under a new head coach. The Lady Trojans will rely on their senior leadership to guide the team and set the tone for the 2026 campaign.

The details

Southwest returns four starters and seven letterwinners from last season, including seniors Jacee Durossette, Kindred Durossette, Abigail Callison, and Brianna Hoover. Jacee Durossette and Addyson Payne will anchor the pitching staff, while Gracie Swanepoel returns as the starting catcher. First-year head coach Melissa Mitchell is excited about the team's work ethic and coachability, and expects the veteran players to provide strong leadership on and off the field.

  • The Lady Trojans open the season on March 21 at the Cheri Nash Invitational in Verona.

The players

Jacee Durossette

A senior pitcher who will be a strong leader on the mound for the Lady Trojans this season.

Kindred Durossette

One of four senior leaders for Southwest softball this year.

Abigail Callison

A senior who will provide veteran leadership for the Lady Trojans.

Brianna Hoover

The fourth senior leader for the Southwest softball team.

Gracie Swanepoel

The returning starting catcher who is expected to have a strong season both on and off the field.

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What they’re saying

“My four seniors, Jacee, Kindred Abigail, and Bri will be our leaders. Addy and Gracie will also serve as leaders. As a first-year coach, I can tell that these girls will be a wonderful example of the leadership I want for our team.”

— Melissa Mitchell, Southwest Head Coach

“Jacee Durossette will hold a strong presence on the mound for the Lady Trojans. Jacee will and has been a strong leader throughout her career as a Lady Trojan, and I have no doubt she will lead in a positive way her Senior season. Jacee will bring control and consistency as well as her leadership to the mound this season.”

— Melissa Mitchell, Southwest Head Coach

“Addyson Payne will continue to be an asset for the Lady Trojans as she works so hard on and off the field to give the best she absolutely can for not only herself but the team. I expect her to develop more in the game and have a great spring season. In addition, Addyson will bring simplicity to the mound to get the job done.”

— Melissa Mitchell, Southwest Head Coach

“Gracie Swanepoel has continued to work hard over the years, so I am anticipating for her to have a great season full of improvements and goals to be accomplished in the game. Gracie is also such a hard worker willing to go above and beyond to get the job done, very much looking forward to her leadership on and off the field.”

— Melissa Mitchell, Southwest Head Coach

What’s next

The Lady Trojans open the season on March 21 at the Cheri Nash Invitational in Verona.

The takeaway

Under new head coach Melissa Mitchell, Southwest softball is poised for a strong 2026 season behind its experienced senior leadership. The Lady Trojans' veteran core will be expected to guide the team both on and off the field as they aim to build on past successes.