Did You Know? Ohio State Softball’s 2025 Season Ended With 45 Wins, Their Highest Total Since 2009’s Remarkable Run

The 2025 Ohio State University softball team just wrapped up a campaign that won’t soon be forgotten. Finishing with an impressive 45-14-1 overall record, this year’s squad secured the most wins for the program in a single season since 2009—a testament to their consistency, grit, and growth under head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly. While the season ultimately ended short of a Women’s College World Series appearance, it showcased the program’s undeniable momentum and reminded fans of the championship-caliber potential that lies within Buckeye softball.

From the season’s first pitch, it was clear the Buckeyes were on a mission. With a lineup that blended veteran leadership and breakout underclassmen, Ohio State burst out of the gate with a red-hot start in non-conference play, stringing together wins in tournaments across the South and West. Those early contests not only padded the win column but also gave the team valuable experience against top-25 competition, helping build confidence and solidify chemistry. The Buckeyes didn’t just beat mid-tier programs—they took down ranked opponents and did it with poise, often in tight, late-game situations.

That early success was crucial, particularly in establishing roles throughout the roster. Pitching was a major strength all season long, led by a rotation that delivered consistency and control. The Buckeyes leaned heavily on a one-two punch in the circle that combined power and precision. Their ace, a junior right-hander, notched over 200 strikeouts on the year and led the Big Ten in earned run average for much of the season. Her counterpart brought finesse and deception, regularly keeping hitters off balance with a wicked changeup and impeccable command. Together, they helped Ohio State maintain one of the top team ERAs in the conference, and at one point, even ranked among the nation’s top 15 in shutouts.

Defense was another area where the Buckeyes shined. Highlight-reel plays became routine, especially from the middle infield, where double plays and diving stops routinely erased opposing momentum. Leadership on the field came from the senior shortstop, a four-year starter whose voice and glove guided the infield all season long. Her range, arm, and situational awareness made her the heart of the defense, while her bat—frequently delivering clutch hits—was just as reliable.

Offensively, the Buckeyes blended speed and power in a way that caused constant headaches for opposing pitchers. The top of the order thrived at getting on base, with leadoff hitters setting the tone by taking pitches, drawing walks, and beating out grounders with elite speed. That pressure often forced defensive miscues or rushed throws, which allowed the Buckeyes to manufacture runs even when the power bats weren’t clicking. And when the big hits did come, they came in bunches. The heart of the order featured three players who hit over .330 and combined for more than 30 home runs and 100 RBIs on the season. Their production was instrumental in Ohio State’s ability to stay competitive in high-scoring affairs and close out games when trailing late.

One defining trait of the 2025 Buckeyes was their resilience. Time and again, they bounced back from adversity, whether it was dropping a close series or losing a lead late. Their ability to respond with timely hitting or shutdown innings was reflective of the mental toughness instilled by Coach Schoenly and her staff. In one particularly memorable midseason comeback, the Buckeyes erased a six-run deficit in the final two innings against a ranked foe on the road, capped off by a dramatic walk-off double. That victory not only extended a winning streak but also served as a turning point, proving that no lead was insurmountable and no moment too big.

The Big Ten slate brought its usual challenges, but Ohio State navigated it with a strong 16-6-1 conference record. The Buckeyes held their own against perennial powers like Michigan and Northwestern and swept several key series that helped lock in a favorable seed for the conference tournament. Their performance in the Big Ten Tournament underscored their growth, as they advanced to the championship game before falling in a hard-fought contest. Still, the run solidified their resume and ensured they’d be dancing in the NCAA Tournament.

Once in the national postseason, Ohio State’s balanced roster continued to perform. They advanced through the regional round with two decisive wins, highlighted by standout pitching and timely offense. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes ran into a buzzsaw in the Super Regionals, facing a top-five national seed. While they pushed the series to a decisive third game, the bats went cold at the wrong time, and the season came to an emotional end. But even in defeat, the team’s unity and pride were on full display, with players embracing each other and coaches praising the heart and effort shown from day one through the final out.

The legacy of the 2025 season goes well beyond the wins column. It marked a cultural shift—one defined by belief, accountability, and hunger. Several seniors leave behind not just stat lines but also a blueprint for what it takes to elevate a program. Their leadership in the locker room and work ethic in practice helped raise the standards and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Ohio State also benefited from breakout performances by younger players, setting up an exciting 2026 campaign. A sophomore catcher emerged as one of the best defensive backstops in the nation, throwing out nearly 50% of would-be base stealers. A freshman outfielder wowed fans with her range and cannon arm, while showing flashes of power at the plate that suggest she’ll be a middle-of-the-order threat for years to come. And a sophomore designated player, who missed much of last season due to injury, returned to slug 12 home runs and finish among team leaders in OPS.

Behind the scenes, much credit goes to the coaching staff for creating a culture where development, support, and accountability coexist. Coach Schoenly, now in her 13th season with the Buckeyes, continues to be one of the most respected leaders in the game. Her ability to adapt, motivate, and draw the best from each player has been instrumental in Ohio State’s rise over the last decade. Assistant coaches brought fresh energy and expertise, particularly in player development and recruiting, helping Ohio State compete with the nation’s best not just on the field, but in the recruiting wars as well.

Recruiting, indeed, appears poised to elevate Ohio State softball even further. The 2025 signing class includes multiple top-100 prospects, and with the visibility from this successful season, the Buckeyes are increasingly on the radar of elite high school talent. The message is clear: Ohio State is not just a stepping stone, but a destination for those who want to compete at the highest level.

Looking ahead, the program is well positioned to build on this momentum. With a strong returning core, upgraded facilities, and growing fan support, the Buckeyes are no longer chasing respect—they’ve earned it. The 2025 season won’t just be remembered for its wins but for the way it rekindled belief in the Buckeye faithful and signaled that Ohio State softball’s best days may still be to come.

For fans who have followed the program through ups and downs, this season was validation. For players, it was the reward for months of preparation, sacrifice, and trust in each other. And for college softball as a whole, it was a reminder that the Big Ten runs deep—and that in Columbus, a red and gray powerhouse is quietly rising again.

Forty-five wins. The most since 2009. A team to remember—and perhaps, the start of something even bigger.