COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland softball team officially opened practice on Tuesday, January 13, kicking off preparations for the 2026 season.

The Terps will begin the season at the Black & Gold Classic in Orlando, Florida, before traveling to Greenville, North Carolina, for the East Carolina Tournament on February 13–14.

Maryland is also set to compete in the Mizuno Classic and the Liberty Softball Classic before hosting its first home tournament of the year, the Terrapin Invitational, February 27 to March 1.

Key returners for the Terps include Bri Godfrey, Caitlyn Cornwell, Sammi Woods, and Matti Benson, who bring valuable experience to the 2026 roster.

The squad welcomes 12 newcomers this season, featuring five freshmen and seven transfers. Graduate student Lauren Caye joins Maryland from Seton Hall, where she appeared in 33 games with 24 starts during the 2024 season. Caye posted a .277 batting average with three home runs, two doubles, one triple, and seven RBI.

Freshmen Zayda Rocke and Elisea Wiegand earned national recognition, as both were named to the Softball America 2026 Freshman to Watch List.

Maryland will open Big Ten Conference play on March 6 with a three-game home series against Rutgers, followed by its first conference road series at Washington.

Admission to all games at the Maryland Softball Complex is free.