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5 Shocking Changes And Key Players Driving The Emporia State Softball 2025 Season

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The Emporia State University softball program, known as the Lady Hornets, is navigating a dramatic shift in leadership and a highly competitive 2025 season schedule, making them one of the most intriguing teams in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). As of late December 2025, the team has undergone a significant coaching transition, which has placed a new face at the helm while key returning players are stepping up to cement the program's legacy of success.

The 2025 campaign follows a successful 2024 season that saw the Lady Hornets post an impressive 31-20 overall record, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level within the challenging MIAA landscape. This article dives into the five most critical updates and entities shaping the Emporia State softball narrative, from the new coaching staff to the star athletes leading the charge into the heart of the conference schedule.

The New Era: Coaching Staff and Program Leadership

The most significant news surrounding the Emporia State softball program is the recent change in leadership, which marks the end of a long-standing tenure and the beginning of a new era for the Lady Hornets.

1. Megan Hill Takes the Helm as Interim Head Coach

In a major departmental change announced in late 2025, former Head Coach April Rosales stepped down from her role to transition into a new administrative position as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). Following Rosales’ decade of service to the program, Assistant Coach Megan Hill was immediately named the Interim Head Softball Coach in December 2025.

Hill's promotion is a crucial step for the program, providing stability during a critical period. She had already spent two years as an assistant with the Lady Hornets, giving her deep familiarity with the roster, the Trusler Sports Complex facilities, and the competitive demands of the MIAA.

2. The Full Coaching Staff Entity List

The success of the Lady Hornets is a team effort, supported by a dedicated staff. The leadership structure for the 2025 season includes:

  • Interim Head Coach: Megan Hill
  • Associate Athletic Director/SWA: April Rosales
  • Assistant Coach: Aaron Hammond (in his third season in 2025)
  • Assistant Coach: Dustin Snyder (listed on the 2026 roster staff, indicating continued support)

This group is tasked with maintaining the momentum from the 2024 season, where the team finished with a strong .608 winning percentage.

Star Power: Key Players and 2025 Season Statistics

The on-field performance of the Emporia State team is driven by several standout athletes whose statistics from the ongoing 2025 season highlight their impact and potential for the remainder of the schedule.

3. Kinsey Perine and Juliana De Luna Lead the Offensive Charge

The Lady Hornets' lineup features several dynamic players who are crucial to the team's success. Two names consistently appear at the top of the stat sheets for the 2025 season:

  • Kinsey Perine: A key offensive entity, Perine is a leader in the lineup. Her 2025 cumulative statistics show her hitting for a .285 batting average with 37 hits and 21 runs batted in (RBI) through 54 games played. Her ability to get on base and drive in runs is vital for the team's scoring production.
  • Juliana De Luna: Also a consistent presence, De Luna has played in all 54 games of the 2025 season. Often found in the outfield or third base, her defensive reliability and offensive contributions—including a key double in a 2025 game against Central Missouri—make her an indispensable part of the squad.

Other players like Taryn Burkhardt are also contributing significantly, demonstrating speed on the base paths with multiple stolen bases.

The Road Ahead: MIAA Competition and Home Field Advantage

The Emporia State Hornets compete in one of the toughest conferences in Division II softball, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Navigating the conference schedule is the primary challenge for the team each year.

4. The Fierce MIAA Rivalries and the Turnpike Tussle

The MIAA is home to several major rivals, and the Lady Hornets are constantly battling for position in the conference standings. Key matchups include:

  • Washburn University: The rivalry with Washburn is perhaps the most intense, known as the Turnpike Tussle. These games are always high-stakes affairs, often determining seeding for the MIAA Tournament.
  • Fort Hays State University: Another Kansas rival, Fort Hays State, provides a tough conference test every season.
  • Central Missouri: The Lady Hornets frequently face off against strong MIAA contenders like Central Missouri, emphasizing the depth of competition they must overcome.

The ultimate goal for the program is to perform well enough in the regular season to secure a spot in the MIAA Tournament, where they concluded their 2024 season.

5. The Legacy of Trusler Sports Complex

The Lady Hornets’ home field is the Trusler Sports Complex, a facility that provides a significant home-field advantage in Emporia, Kansas. This complex, completed in 1992, is a cornerstone of the Hornet Nation Athletics program and was made possible by the generosity of the Trusler Foundation, established by Harold and Irene Trusler.

The complex features multiple fields, allowing the softball program to host major tournaments and draw strong fan support. The facility's history is an important part of the team's identity, representing a long-term commitment to excellence in collegiate softball.

Looking Forward: The 2025 Recruiting Class

The future of the Emporia State University softball program looks bright, thanks to a strong incoming class. In December 2024, the program announced the signing of eight new players—seven high school seniors and one junior college transfer. This recruiting haul is a testament to the program's stability and appeal, even amidst coaching changes, ensuring a pipeline of talent for the 2026 season and beyond.

The blend of veteran leadership from players like Kinsey Perine and Juliana De Luna, the new perspective brought by Interim Head Coach Megan Hill, and the infusion of fresh talent positions the Lady Hornets for continued success in the competitive landscape of the MIAA.

5 Shocking Changes and Key Players Driving the Emporia State Softball 2025 Season
emporia state university softball
emporia state university softball

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