By Jada Willingham

The Phoenix College Softball team, currently ranked No. 10 in the country for NJCAA Division II Softball, is gearing up for what promises to be a challenging and rewarding season. Head coach Heinz Mueller shared his thoughts on the upcoming season:

"This year could be very challenging for our program because we have a 58-game schedule, playing 4 NAIA colleges and 5 Division I teams, besides our own teams in our division. However, it could be very rewarding as well with our 10 returning sophomores and 10 incoming freshmen. It will be interesting how our sophomores handle trying to qualify for the National Tournament again. This is in their hands going forward."

The Bears are coming off an incredible 2024 season, which saw them win the Region I Division II Softball Championship in a thrilling showdown against South Mountain. The program also celebrated an incredible milestone, with Phoenix College Softball being honored with a Hall of Fame induction. The team finished the year with an impressive 42-11 record and earned their well-deserved No. 10 national ranking.

As the Bears head into their preseason, excitement is building for their first doubleheader of the season this Saturday against Northern Arizona University. With a strong core of returning sophomores and a talented group of freshmen, the team is poised to make a deep run this season.

The blend of experience and fresh talent will be put to the test with a grueling schedule, but as Coach Mueller emphasized, this season is an opportunity for growth and accomplishment. The Bears are not just aiming for another trip to Nationals—they're striving to build on the legacy of success that has defined Phoenix College Softball for decades.