University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Friday, February 6
Clearwater, FL
10 AM
Pitt
vs
North Carolina Central
Pitt Opens Season at NFCA Leadoff Classic
2/5/2026 3:39:00 PM | Softball
Pitt Panthers (0-0, 0-0 ACC)
Dates: Friday, Feb. 6 - Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Location: Eddie C. Moore Complex – Clearwater, Fla.
Watch: GameChanger
Stats: StatBroadcast
QUICK HITS
- Pitt opens the 2026 campaign with five games at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla. All games will be streamed on the GameChanger app.
- Pitt enters the 2026 season with a strong blend of experience and youth, returning 12 players from last year's roster while welcoming a class of 13 freshmen.
- The Panthers bring back key contributors at nearly every position, including experience in the circle, up the middle, and in the outfield: KK Esparza (catcher), Tieley Vaughn (second base), Shelby Frazier (shortstop), Macy Hamilton (outfield), Ahmari Braden (outfield), Camryn Murphy (outfield).
- Ahmari Braden was Pitt's offensive catalyst in 2025, leading the team in, batting average (.315), stolen bases (13), and triples (2). Her stolen base total ranked tied for 11th in the ACC, and her speed and leadership will be central to Pitt's identity.
- Pitt's freshman class features six named to the Softball America ACC Freshman Watch List: Calle Henne (C), Gracie Helton (3B), Mia Kliethermes (P), Amelia Long (P), Addison Oberbreckling (1B), and Addison Toczek (OF).
Players Mentioned
P / OF
/ Softball
C
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
C/INF
/ Softball
RHP
/ Softball
RHP
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
INF
/ Softball2025 Hall of Fame Class | Jessica Dignon
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