Softball | January 12

DeKALB, IL – Northern Illinois University softball head coach Kathryn Gleason has announced the 2026 schedule for the Huskies softball program as announced today (January 12). 
 
The Huskies will meet first time opponents in Abilene Christian, Morehead State, North Carolina A&T, and St. Bonaventure in the non-conference portion of their season.
 
"We have put together a competitive schedule for the 2026 season.  We are excited to begin in Austin at the reigning Nationals Champions, the University of Texas, by bringing the Stewart sisters together on the field," said Gleason. "We will challenge ourselves throughout the season with regional opponents, as well as some Big Ten opponents.  Our home schedule is highlighted by a game with Northwestern coming to Mary Bell Field on April 21st.  We believe the preseason will prepare us well for the MAC Conference schedule."
 
NIU opens their season at the 2025 WCWS Champions Texas in a five-game tournament, where senior pitcher Danielle Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) will compete against her sister, Texas infielder Katie Stewart. The Huskies will take on Abilene Christian, Ohio State, Syracuse, and Texas, February 13-15.
 
Following the opening weekend at Texas, the Huskies head to Memphis, Tennessee for a five games, February 20-22. The Huskies face Kentucky, Indiana State, Morehead State, NC A&T, and UMKC.
 
Entering March, NIU travels to Big Ten school Purdue for the final non-conference tournament, March 6-8. NIU will play two games against Purdue, while facing UW-Green Bay and St. Bonaventure.
 
The final season of Mid-American Conference action opens at home for the Huskies as they welcome Buffalo on March 13-14 for a three-game series. The only road conference games the Huskies will face will be Ohio, March 20-21 in a three-game set. NIU welcomes UMass to Mary M. Bell Field on March 27-28 before hosting UIC in a non-conference doubleheader on March 31.
 
The Huskies start the month of April on the road as they travel to Central Michigan on April 3-4 before returning home for five-straight dates. NIU will host Ball State (April 7-8), Kent State (April 11-12) and non-conference foe Bradley (April 14) during their home stand. Hitting the road, NIU will travel to Bowling Green (April 17-18) before returning home for Big Ten opponent Northwestern. NIU ends the month of April on the road traveling to Western Michigan (April 24-25) and Iowa (April 29).
 
NIU will conclude the 2026 regular season, hosting Toledo on May 1-2 at Mary M. Bell Field.
 
The 2026 Mid-American Conference will take place May 6-9 with the top six teams advancing to Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio.
 
NIU Softball will hold a "First Pitch" dinner on January 25 with keynote speaker Carol Hutchins, the NCAA Division I softball wins leader. The dinner will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fatty's Pub and Grille (1312 W. Lincoln Hwy) and those interested can register here.
 
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