Much respect to Duke and Clemson for adding softball programs. Both of these ACC schools are starting softball programs this year. There seemed to be a very long stretch where very few college programs were created but I am happy to see that trend is reversing — with vigor.
So who are the holdouts? Which “big name” schools still don’t have programs? Here is the list I can come up with just off the top of my head. It isn’t a complete list, I’m sure, but it does raise some questions.
1. Vanderbilt
The Commodores are only member of the SEC that doesn’t field a varsity softball program.
Really, they have bowling but no softball. In Nashville?
I have been told they don’t feel they have space to build a stadium but I have been on the Vandy campus and I have seen about 15 intramural soccer/activity fields that I have never seen anyone on.
2. Miami
South Florida is another area that seems like a no-brainer for a softball program. They have the “Turnover Chain,” but no softball.
3. Kansas State
A Big 12 school that doesn’t play softball. I know they have a octogenarian legend coaching the football team, but I can’t come up with a good reason why they don’t have softball.
4. Wake Forest
Another ACC school that lacks a varsity softball program. Tim Duncan played basketball there, once upon a time. I guess softball might be a fairy tale?
5. Marquette
I’ve been a fan of Marquette since the days of Al Maguire and the only NCAA basketball championship they won in 1977, Yes, I’m old.
Why they don’t have softball? They say they are landlocked, but they bought a bunch of land from the casino across the highway to build an intramural complex.
6. Wisconsin-Milwaukee
My alma mater. UWM is a big school that has attempted to create big sports for as long as I can remember. So far, failure! Still, I would love to see them give softball a shot.
7. Washington State
They have a very entertaining football coach who seems to have a lot to say. Maybe he could say they need to add softball!
8. Cincinnati
Another school with a great basketball pedigree, but no softball. Their most famous athletic alum? The Big O, which is exactly how many softball games they have played.
9. Rice
They’re a baseball powerhouse, so you know they get the stick-and-ball sports. After so many trips to the College World Series, I would think the idea of softball would show up on their radar.
10. West Virginia
Basketball greatness clearly doesn’t lead to softball success. Come on Huggy, you have daughters!
Honorable Mention: SMU, Tulane, Air Force, The Citadel, VMI and …
Please let me know who I missed or if any of these schools are planning on starting teams. I’d love to be wrong on this list!!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
