By Elijah Alvarado, Sports Editor
Turning your dreams into reality is never impossible, but it takes effort and a strong dose of patience. But every dream cannot be achieved alone. Sometimes, it will take a complete team of dedication and effort.
The Saint Leo University Softball Team competed in the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Women’s College World Series in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Lions won their first national championship title in program history after falling short of the championship series in their last World Series appearance in 2018.
The Lions defeated #14 McKendree University in the first two games in a best-of-three-game series, which took place on June 2 and 3, at Jim Frost Stadium.
This comes after a remarkable overall season that will go down as the best season in program history. Some of the Lions’ biggest spotlights of the season have included a 38-game win streak, being ranked #1 by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), a 44-3-1 regular season record, a 29-1 Sunshine State Conference score, and being undefeated at home. These impressive stats were a strong testament to their journey to winning the program’s first national title.
Winning the National Championship is not only an exciting time of celebration for the softball team, who took the field each day to pursue the title, but it is a significant representation for Saint Leo and the supporting community.
“It represents years of hard work, commitment, and belief from our student athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and supporters,” said Marcal Lazenby, vice-president of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation.
“Championships create lasting memories, but they also elevate the visibility and reputation of the university on a national stage,” said Lazenby. “This accomplishment reflects the excellence that exists across our campus and demonstrates what can be achieved when talented people come together around a common goal.”
A historical National Championship season is not something that can happen overnight, and sometimes it won’t happen in just one season; it takes patience and dedication.
Lazenby explained that the efforts to get into a championship series were clearly displayed in their game execution.
“Their work ethic, resilience, and commitment to one another were evident throughout the season,” said Lazenby. “This championship belongs to every player, coach, and supporter who contributed to the growth of Saint Leo Softball.”
“People see the talent, competitiveness, and success on game day, but what they may not see is the character of these young women. They are outstanding students, leaders, teammates, and representatives of Saint Leo University,” said Lazenby
Lazenby continued to emphasize the idea of reaching this dream took a complete and collective team effort. He highlights valued characteristics that stood out that displayed evidence of team effort.
“One of the strengths of this team was that success was truly a collective effort. While there were many individuals who made significant contributions throughout the season, what stood out most was how everyone embraced their role and put the team’s success first,” said Lazenby.
While the girls went on the field and battled every practice and every game to get to this moment, they needed leaders who would teach them and provide them with resources and game plans to execute to win. This was seen in Coach Kinberger and her staff, Zach Carver, Lexi Carver, and Pat Affrunti.
Success doesn’t always come easy and can include adversity. A year ago, Saint Leo head coach, Erin Kinberger, was dealing with something that no one should ever have to go through—she was diagnosed with Stage three breast cancer and was treated with 16 rounds of chemotherapy. Yet, last season she never missed practice or a game.
Fast forward to now, Kinberger has led the Saint Leo Softball program to their first-ever championship series and first national championship title. Her dedication and love for the team and sport does not go unnoticed.
“Coach Kinberger’s journey over the last two seasons is truly inspiring; she faced significant personal challenges while continuing to lead, mentor, and support her student athletes. Her passion for the game, commitment to her team, and perseverance through adversity demonstrate the type of leader she is,” said Lazenby
After closing out the greatest regular season in Saint Leo softball program history, the Lions were able to carry the momentum into the postseason, remaining undefeated and breaking NCAA Division ll records in the championship series.
These records included the fewest losses by a national champion in Division II softball history, and many more. Saint Leo Softball head coach, Erin Kinberger, explains that those numbers have no impact on the team’s mindset.
“We stay humble, we work each day like we’re 0-0. We don’t get too high, we don’t get too low, we just ride the middle, and we just stay focused on us. That’s what we’ve done all season; that’s what they’ve done. They followed the game plan to a T,” said Kinberger in a press conference held postgame
Junior infielder Alexis Barber was named the 2026 Dll Women’s College World Series Most Outstanding Player for her dominant performance. Barber ended the World Series with a 350 batting average, 1 home run, and 7 runners batted in.
“I think a big part of my success was trusting the work I had put in all year and staying present in each moment. Our coaching staff prepared us every day, and my teammates constantly put me in positions to succeed,” said Barber.
Barber does not hold back when crediting those who have supported her and helped get to the biggest stage, which is the World Series.
“There are so many people who deserve credit. First, my coaches for believing in me, challenging me, and helping me grow as both a player and a person. My teammates deserve so much recognition because none of this happens individually; we pushed each other every day and supported each other through everything,” said Barber
Barber also thanked her friends and family for supporting her through tough times and celebrating her accomplishments with her.
The Lions had several occasions where the fight was not over until the very last inning or even in extra innings.
In the Dll semifinals, the Lions were down to their last out by two when catcher Hailey Beurlein hit a clutch three-run home run to take the lead, which ended in extras after a go-ahead HR by Infielder Alexis Barber. A statement was set that the game is not over until the scoreboard says final.
“We got a lot of fight in us and a lot of sisterhood. Don’t count us out. If we have an out, we got a chance,” said Kinberger, according to an interview held by Fox 13 following the Dll semifinals victory.
In game one of the championship series, the Lions lost a 4-0 lead when McKendree hit a game-tying grand slam, but the Lions went on to come back and win 15-4.
“They hit the grand slam, and I knew going up to bat. It didn’t matter because we were going to score,” said Nia DeBenedittis, a sophomore, right fielder for Saint Leo Softball.
Now that the mission is over, the Lions can sit back, reflect, and celebrate this big achievement in Saint Leo history. The celebration began from the moment they won and will continue as the program was awarded with the key to the Town of St. Leo.
