CARROLLTON, Ga. - If the frigid temperatures have you down, take the time to look just two weeks ahead to the start of the spring sports season at the University of West Georgia and Wolves' softball which opens their 2026 campaign at University Field on February 6.
As we get closer to first pitch, we begin to break down this year's roster, taking a look today at the Wolves' infield.
For the first time since 2022, UWG will have a new everyday shortstop as head coach Kristy Burton will have to replace Madison Vandergriff who started 147 games over the past three seasons combined.
For that all-important position, Burton turns to a former Gold Glove Award winner in Madison McDonald. The Lanett, Alabama native started 84 games the past two seasons at Division II Columbus State. She concluded her time at CSU by winning the Rawlings/NFCA Gold Glove Award as the top defensive shortstop in all of Division II softball. At the plate, McDonald hit .241 while slugging .407, recording 26 hits, 14 runs, four doubles, four triples, two homers, and 13 RBIs.
Burton has plenty of depth and utility at third base and second base, bringing back multiple players who saw action on the infield in 2025.
The top offensive returner in the infield is Dixiana Sims, who played multiple infield positions when she wasn't pitching in 2025. Sims hit .258 in 97 at-bats last season, scoring 15 runs and driving in six. She was also active on the basepaths, ranking third on the team with seven swipes.
Sims is in the mix at second base, as is Olivia Slocumb who hit .350 in just 20 at-bats in 2025.
Also providing depth up the middle is senior Emerson Miller who has 74 starts under her belt entering her senior season. Additionally, Kristen Fowler hit .265 in 34 at-bats with four of her nine hits going for extra bases.
At third base, UWG has a battle going between sophomore Ally Long, who started 28 games at third base as a true freshman, and Alabama State transfer Mickey Coslor. In 2025, Coslor played in 32 games for ASU, making 27 starts.
The trio of Jenna Samuel, Kaprice Leonard, and newcomer DeLaney Hoyle are set to battle it out and split time at first base as all three will also log innings in the circle. Samuel had 61 at-bats in 2025, driving in 12 runs with four extra-base hits. Leonard hit .250 in just 12 at-bats in 2025. Hoyle transfers in from Portland where she appeared in seven games as a freshman.
True freshman Erryn Lowe is set for her first season of collegiate softball and can also play multiple infield positions.
The Wolves are set to open their 2026 season on February 6 as part of the West Georgia Classic. UWG will host four teams for a weekend tournament that features 13 total softball games in three days on UWG's campus. Friday's schedule for that weekend features UWG opening with Bellarmine and Austin Peay.
