With the start of the season just days away, the Washington softball team is focused on growth as it prepares for a challenging new chapter. Head coach Heather Tarr, speaking at Softball America’s Media Days on Thursday, emphasized the need for resilience as the Huskies navigate an unprecedented roster transition.
“We’re going to face some tough moments,” Tarr admitted. “For our girls, it’s about growing, learning together, and staying united through both the highs and lows. No single moment—good or bad—should define us.”
The Huskies ended last season with a 32-15 record but were eliminated in the NCAA Regionals. Since then, the team has undergone one of the most significant roster overhauls in Tarr’s tenure, which began in 2005. A combination of transfers and graduating seniors has left Washington with an almost entirely new squad. Six of their top hitters and two of their best pitchers entered the transfer portal, leaving the Huskies with no returning pitchers and just a handful of position players from last season.
Heading into their Feb. 7 opener against No. 11 Alabama and No. 16 Arizona, the Huskies will rely heavily on leadership from their four returning players—sophomore Giselle Alvarez, sophomore backup catcher Jadyn Glab, sophomore Jing Gardner, and senior Haley Winckler. Tarr praised their efforts in guiding a team filled with 16 newcomers.
“It’s been incredible watching our returners step up,” Tarr said. “They’ve embraced the responsibility of teaching what Husky softball is all about. Giselle and Jadyn had to fight for their spots last year, and now they’re stepping into leadership roles. They’re doing an amazing job.”
Washington has been a model of consistency, boasting 30 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and never having recorded a losing season. Maintaining that success, however, will depend largely on how their new-look pitching staff performs.
The Huskies are bringing in five new pitchers—four transfers and one freshman. The most experienced of the group is Stevie Hansen, who transferred from Oregon after compiling a 36-20 record with a 3.02 ERA over the past three seasons. Tarr has high expectations for Hansen, despite only having her for one season.
“She’s an incredibly talented player and a great teammate,” Tarr said. “She’s won at every level, including in the youth scene. It’s a little bittersweet that we only get her for one year, but she’s already making a big impact.”
Joining Hansen in the rotation are junior Sophia Ramuno (Cal Poly), junior Madi Balk (Florida State), and sophomore Rylee Rehbein (Montana). Rounding out the pitching staff is freshman Morgan Reimer, a highly regarded recruit from Langley, B.C., who has represented Canada in the Canada Cup and Pan-American Games.
“She’s been growing and maturing quickly,” Tarr said of Reimer. “As a freshman, she has so much ahead of her. All five of our pitchers bring different strengths, but the common denominator is their competitiveness. It’s been fun to watch them develop.”
Offensively, the Huskies will lean on Giselle Alvarez, who was one of their most consistent hitters last season. Alvarez started 24 of 47 games and led the team with a .343 batting average, earning a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.
“Last year was an incredible experience for me,” Alvarez said. “It was tough saying goodbye to so many teammates, but everyone made the decisions that were best for them. I knew staying here was the best choice for me. The transfers and freshmen have bonded quickly, and we’re all learning from each other.”
One of those freshmen is infielder Alexis DeBoer, who remained committed to Washington despite her father, Kalen DeBoer, leaving as the Huskies’ football coach to take over at Alabama. Tarr, who had recruited Alexis since Kalen’s time at Fresno State, is confident she will be a key part of the program.
“She’s got a great mindset and maturity beyond her years,” Tarr said. “Being the daughter of a top football coach comes with a lot of attention, but she handles it well. She’s coachable, observant, and quick to adapt. It’s exciting to have her in the program.”
Although most of Washington’s roster is new, Tarr remains steadfast in the team’s identity as they transition into their first season in the Big Ten.
“We’re always focused on leaving a lasting legacy,” she said. “We want to play with joy and passion, and we want people to keep watching us because of our energy and competitive spirit. Our goal is to stay in games as long as possible, evolve, and improve.”
Tarr acknowledged that roster rebuilds are never easy, pointing to struggles that Washington’s football and men’s basketball teams have faced after major turnover. However, she believes the Huskies are built to endure the challenge.
“It’s all part of the process,” she said. “For us, it’s about embracing the growth and staying true to who we are as a program.”
With a completely revamped roster and a tough schedule ahead, Washington’s season will be a test of resilience. But if their returners and newcomers can come together quickly, the Huskies have a chance to keep their long-standing success alive.
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