Trojans Softball Picked Sixth in KJCCC Preseason Poll
The Colby Trojans softball team enters the 2026 season with something to prove after being selected sixth out of nine teams in the KJCCC Division I Softball preseason coaches poll, which was released this week by the conference office Monday.
The Colby Trojans softball team enters the 2026 season with something to prove after being selected sixth out of nine teams in the KJCCC Division I Softball preseason coaches poll, which was released this week by the conference office Monday (Jan. 26).
Colby landed sixth with 43 total points, sitting just behind Dodge City and Garden City in a league that annually ranks among the strongest in NJCAA Division I softball. Butler Community College was picked to win the conference following a dominant 2025 season, while Barton and Hutchinson rounded out the top three.
Despite the preseason projection, the Trojans return a battle-tested core of sophomores and significant offensive firepower from a team that finished 31–27 overall a season ago and showed its strength on home turf, going 18–9..
Leading the returners in the circle is Katelyn Zukewich, an All-KJCCC Honorable Mention selection who brings experience back to the pitching staff. Zukewich posted a 2.66 ERA across 47.1 innings pitched in 2025, allowing just 18 earned runs while recording a 1.48 WHIP.
Offensively, Colby returns several of its productive bats from last season's lineup. Bailey Jackson was one of the conference's most consistent hitters, appearing in 44 games and batting .385 while driving in 30 runs. Jackson's power was on full display as well, finishing with 18 extra-base hits, including six home runs.
Brooklynn Ekker also returns after putting together a strong season at the plate, hitting .344 in 125 at-bats with 22 RBI, while Briley Christensen provided pop throughout the lineup with 31 hits, 17 extra-base hits, and production in 28 games. Colby's versatility is further strengthened by the return of utility players Kylan Sorenson and Ava Pezely, both of whom hit above .285 last season and combined for 43 RBI and 20 extra-base hits as well.
Now entering their second season at the helm, head coaches Jazmine Esparza and Bailey Honne look to build on last year's foundation. In their first year leading the program, the duo guided Colby to over 30 wins and established a strong home-field advantage that will again be a focal point in 2026.
The 2026 conference season is set to open on March 4th, featuring a demanding 32-game KJCCC schedule. With the top eight teams earning a spot in the NJCAA Plains District Tournament, Colby remains firmly in postseason contention. The Trojans will get their season started right here at home against Hill College on Monday (Feb. 16).