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As the spring season approaches, Allegany College of Maryland Softball enters 2026 with momentum, maturity, and one of the deepest rosters the program has seen since Head Coach Rick Twigg took over in 2020. Now in his sixth year at ACM and 31st year coaching overall, Twigg believes this group has the tools to make significant noise in NJCAA Region XX and MD JUCO competition.

Reflecting on 2025: A Foundation Set for Growth

The 2025 season marked a turning point for the program. The team's 17–19 record was its best finish of the Twigg era, bolstered by what he describes as "our best recruiting class to date." Even though the record finished just under .500, Twigg notes that it reflected the heightened talent level and competitive toughness the team brought each day.

Key performers anchored ACM's success:

• Ryanne Martinez, the team's vocal outfield captain, set the tone with leadership on and off the field.
• Kayla Hill surpassed the 100-strikeout mark, establishing herself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the conference.
• Natalie Melby, who returns for her sophomore season, was electric on the bases and finished among the team leaders in batting average—one of several players to hit over .400.
• Melby also earned All-Region XX Second Team honors, joining two teammates who graduated and continued their softball careers at four-year schools.

As the team turns toward 2026, Twigg emphasizes that last year's foundation—growth, cohesion, and resilience—has directly shaped the goals ahead.

Goals for 2026: Consistency, Health, and Elevated Standards

The coaching staff has set clear objectives:

• Stay healthy throughout the season.
• Beat last year's win–loss record.
• Play for each other, emphasizing unity and accountability.
• Maintain emotional consistency from inning 1 to inning 7.

"We definitely want to improve staying consistent through the day," Twigg said. "Not getting too high or too low, but maintaining a confident, steady mindset."

Talent, Depth, and High Expectations

This year's roster, featuring a blend of powerful sophomores and high-ceiling freshmen, may be ACM's strongest squad yet.

2026 Roster Snapshot

Returning Standouts

• Natalie Melby (Williamsport, MD) – SS/2B, All-Region XX Second Team, base-running threat, .400+ hitter
• Kayla Hill (Plumville, PA) – RHP/1B, 100+ strikeouts, returning workhorse
• Briannah Lucas (Chesapeake, VA) – Versatile sophomore with strong on-base potential
• Jaynie Simpkins (Catonsville, MD) – Athletic outfielder with experience and defensive range
• Brylee Bateson (Leola, PA) – Reliable two-way contributor
• Alexis Heavner (Cumberland, MD) – Lefty bat and returning outfield presence

Impact Freshmen Class

• Breean Gay (Sharpsburg, MD) – RHP/OF
• Alyssa Medina & Autumn Medina (Palm Bay, FL) – Catcher/3B & RHP/3B dynamic pair
• Evie Wicks (Clayton, DE) – Athletic catcher with strong defensive presence
• Kelly Mercedes (Runnemede, NJ) – Speed and agility in the outfield
• Lanie Iski (Corriganville, MD) – 1B/OF with power potential
• Raley Nestor & Morgan Weimer (Frankfort HS) – Local talents with immediate upside
• Izzy Echeverria (Port St. Lucie, FL) – Powerful corner infielder

With depth at pitching, catching, and the outfield, alongside consistent hitting throughout the roster, ACM enters the season with optimism and elevated expectations.

Key Games & Matchups

The Trojans will open and close the season with Potomac State, one of the premier programs in Region XX.

"They've been at the top of the conference," Twigg said. "It's always a great benchmark for where we stand."

ACM will also face several NCAA Division III teams, matchups Twigg believes will sharpen the group competitively.

Community Engagement & Special Events

• Sophomore Night will be held during one of ACM's final home games - stay tuned for more information on that. 
• The program recently hosted a winter hitting clinic and will invite those young athletes back for a designated home game experience this spring.

Looking Ahead: A Team Ready to Compete

For Twigg and his staff—including assistants Kayla Dodson and Adam Sterne, plus the support of administration and other staff - the excitement surrounding this group is genuine.

"What I'm most excited about," Twigg said, "is simply the opportunity to get back on the field with this team. We have a great group of talented kids who we strongly believe can take us far in the Region XX tournament."

With returning leadership, a standout freshman class, and the momentum carried over from last spring and fall, the 2026 season holds promise for one of the most competitive campaigns in ACM Softball history.