After a five-win season and a sectional championship, the Crestwood softball team enters 2026 focused on growth, depth, and internal competition as the Red Devils aim to take a step forward in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.
With seven returning starters and seven letterwinners back in the fold, Crestwood brings back experience while blending in a promising freshman class that could accelerate the program’s trajectory.
“The outlook is optimistic as we have good numbers and a lot of competition between all the players,” head coach Matthew Helm said. “A solid group of freshmen coming in has the program poised to grow and greatly improve over the season and in the future.”
Foundation of experience and competition
Crestwood’s returning core provides a foundation, but the biggest storyline entering the season is the competition across the roster. Nearly every position features multiple players pushing for time, creating an environment that should elevate overall performance.
“The expectations of 2026 are to challenge everyone,” Helm said. “We will compete, challenge, and shock some teams.”
That competitive edge is especially important as the Red Devils look to build consistency after a 5-16 season that still included a postseason win.
Freshmen impact and lineup battles
One of the most immediate areas where new faces will be counted on is behind the plate. Freshmen Jocelyn Johnson and Jillian Hayes are expected to split time at catcher, stepping into a key role after the graduation of an all-district performer.
Across the infield, Crestwood returns versatility and depth. Rylie Duval-Chambers anchors first base, while Keli Lee and Abby Hayes will handle duties at second and third, with flexibility to move around. Bella Stier returns at shortstop, while also factoring into the pitching rotation.
The outfield features senior leadership with Serena Wright in left and Audrey Julian in center, while Hailey Pesarchick patrols right field.
Additional contributors Ava Macik, Savanah Landals, Kaitlyn Roberts, Gracelin Hampton, and Taylor Lovejoy are all expected to see varsity time and play a role in the team’s development.
Pitching depth a major strength
Crestwood’s pitching staff could be one of its biggest assets, with multiple options available throughout the season. Grace Harper leads the group, joined by Stier, Hampton, Roberts, and Macik.
“Having competition at all positions will help the team in the long run,” Helm said. “We have multiple pitchers coming in with the freshmen class, and we will get a lot of them some time starting or relieving.”
That depth should allow Crestwood to mix and match depending on matchups while keeping arms fresh over the course of the season.
Defensive focus will define the season
While the roster is deeper and more competitive, the Red Devils know where their biggest improvement must come.
“Our biggest challenges will just be getting our new players to jell with our returners and mature into solid varsity players that will keep this program growing,” Helm said. “Defense, Defense, Defense is what our biggest challenges will be. Making sure we play solid defense will be the key to our season.”
If Crestwood can tighten up defensively while its young talent develops, the Red Devils could quickly become a team that surprises opponents throughout the Valley Division.
Crestwood Red Devils Softball
