Purser excited about 2026 Walters State softball squad
MORRISTOWN, TN – 20 strong.
That's the motto the Walters State softball team is adopting heading into the 2026 season.
The Lady Senators are coming off a 31-21 season, and head coach Britney Purser is excited about this team and the season to come.
"We have a new saying in the dugout called '20 Strong,'" Purser said. "We noted it from Karen Weekly's 2025 press conference. Our team has adapted this motto with the purpose of having all players fighting for the same goal: a championship. We are only as strong as our dugout, and that will be a huge factor going into the season."
In order to prepare for the 2026 season, Walters State played an extremely challenging fall schedule, taking on the likes of the University of Kentucky, the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina and Duke University.
With that tough schedule, the Lady Senators learned a lot about themselves and have been working hard to get themselves ready for the spring season.
"We've got a great group of girls who are dedicated to the process," Purser said. "That's what preseason is all about—getting uncomfortable and fighting through the uncomfortability. We played some really tough competition, and it's easy to hang your head. This team has shown me the maturity to handle hard situations and still see the positive side of playing the level of competition that we play. We have shown that we can compete with high-level play and even win some of those games."
The Lady Senators roster is one with a good mix of sophomores and freshmen. The sophomores include Alayna Ross, Lauren Ruehl, Summer Smith, Allie Jones, Allie Seritt, Addison Beech, Brenna Hunley, Carla Burge, Faith Whited and Brianice Silguero.
Last season, Ross hit .441 with 21 home runs and 62 RBIs and went 2-0 in eight appearances in the circle. Meanwhile, Ruehl went 4-2 in the circle in 22 appearances and hit two home runs and drove in 17 runs, and Smith went 8-3 in the circle in 19 appearances. At shortstop last season, Seritt smacked five home runs and drove in 32 runs in 40 games.
Jones also pitched last season, going 3-1 in 14 appearances, and Beech was an All-TCCAA member after hitting .376 in the leadoff role last season. Playing outfield last season, Hunley drove in six runs in 49 at-bats, as well.
"Lauren has matured tremendously and will be a big part of our offense and pitching presence," Purser said. "Alayna hit 21 home runs last season and will also be a larger presence in the circle this year. Summer brings power and patience at the plate and competitiveness in the circle. Allie Jones will be one of our go-to pitchers, and Allie Seritt has stepped up as a leader at shortstop."
As far as freshmen go, Walters State brought in 10 of them. Purser said they have all worked extremely hard in the offseason and will contribute a lot this season.
"Our freshman group works their tails off," Purser said. "Jordan Pena and Camryn Allen are outfielders with speed and power. Michayla Franzen brings a big bat at second base. We also have three catchers—Kacey Pillion, Brittanie Layton, and Maysin Kannapin—who all have strong arms and bats. The depth and versatility of this group make lineup decisions very competitive."
Purser also brought in a new member to her coaching staff in Morristown native, Emma Frost. Frost spent four seasons at Lincoln Memorial, going 59-19 with a 3.00 ERA in 89 appearances. Frost was the 2021 SAC Pitcher of the Year before pitching at Carson-Newman in her final season. Frost went 18-4 with a 2.91 ERA during that season and earned All-Sac honors.
"Emma has been fantastic," Purser said. "She brings fresh air and a competitive mindset to the program. She is working with our pitching staff, and already I can see the progress. They have bought into her, and I couldn't imagine this year with anyone else."
Schedule-wise, the Lady Senators face a difficult one. Walters State will play No. 17 Santa Fe, No. 3 in DII St. Johns River State, No. 8 Indian River State, No. 10 Gaston College four times, No. 5 Wallace State-Hanceville and No. 12 Chattanooga State four times.
"We are not afraid of playing tough competition," Purser said. "If we want to be the best, we have to beat the best. We are not going to pad our record. We want to see what we've got against championship-caliber teams. This is what will help us in the postseason. We will be prepared for what we are going to see. We will feel ready."
In terms of goals, the Lady Senators are using that "20 strong" motto to guide them throughout the season.
"Our goal is simple: win together. '20 Strong.' Every single person has got to be bought in," Purser said. "Our bench, our starters, our closers, our defensive and offensive replacements—everyone. If we do that, we have the talent to take this team to a championship."
Walters State will open the season on Friday, taking on No. 17 Santa Fe and No. 3 in DII, St. Johns River State in Gainesville, FL. The Lady Senators will play Sante Fe at 10 am ET and St. Johns River State at 12 pm ET.
"Everyone has a role," Purser said about her team. "Like I said previously, if everyone buys into those roles, this team can be dangerous. But if we hang our heads because we aren't in the game, it makes it hard for our team to be successful. You are only as strong as your weakest link. These girls have battled a really tough fall with lots of games and experience. I expect us to swing the bat well this year. Our pitchers need to step up in the circle and keep runs off the board, and our defense has to have their back. It's going to be all three facets of our game working together. One person won't win a game for us—we have to do it together."