As Butler Softball prepares to open the 2025 season next week (Feb. 7), coach Scott Hall, who enters his 15th season at the helm of the program, has high expectations for returning starters and veterans, as well as a talented group of newcomers.
 
"I am extremely excited for this group to get started," stated Hall. "They have put in the work since stepping on campus this fall and have focused on strengthening our team culture. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and high-character group every day. The potential is there for us to make a run in the BIG EAST tournament if we stay healthy and continue working every day towards getting better."
 
The Bulldogs are coming off a 2024 season which saw the team win 11 BIG EAST games and qualify for postseason play for the fourth-consecutive season.
 
Three veteran pitchers return for the Bulldogs in 2025. Sophomore Katie Petran won 15 games in 2024 with 29 starts and 39 appearances. She compiled a 3.46 ERA, pitching 13 complete games. Also returning are junior Rylyn Dyer, who had 22 appearances with 11 starts last season, and redshirt-junior Kayla Noerr, who made 29 appearances with six starts. The pitching staff will be adding freshmen Gwen Baker and Paige Lillie to the rotation as well.
 
"We have a lot of depth in the stable!" stated Hall. "We have a very solid core returning, and we brought in some talented depth to spread the work load this spring. We can attack offenses with a variety of styles and really keep teams off balance. Kayla, Ry, and Katie bring experience, and we expect Gwen and Paige to see quality time in the circle as well."
 
Behind the plate, Butler returns junior starter Kieli Ryan, who led the BIG EAST last season and finished 12^th nationally with 15 runners caught stealing. Additional help behind the dish will come from freshman Alona Boydson.
 
"You don't run on Kieli Ryan!" exclaimed Hall. "She is one of the best there is when it comes to controlling the run game. She handles our pitching staff very well, and they have a lot of confidence with her behind the dish. Alona is a great addition who will split time with Ki and play some third base. Makena Alexander will also be a part of the battery this spring."