Softball Picked First in ASUN Poll, McCarthy Named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
1/28/2026 2:00:00 PM | Softball
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida softball was picked to finish first among the 12 teams in the Atlantic Sun Conference's Preseason Poll, along with redshirt junior outfielder Kalyn McCarthy being named ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday afternoon.
The Ospreys come into the 2026 season as the defending ASUN Regular Season and Tournament champions after a 47-15 record last year with a run into the NCAA Regional finals. Head Coach Jeff Conrad enters his fourth year at the helm for UNF with 13 returners and a top-10 transfer portal class.
"It's an honor to be picked at the top in such a good softball league. It's a tribute to the growth of our program and the kids that are in it, as well as the players we have been able to attract," said Conrad. "Each and every member of our organization to a person will tell you, the only thing that matters is that No. 1 being by our name at the end of the year."
It's the second consecutive season being picked among the top of the preseason coaches poll, as the Ospreys were tied for first with Eastern Kentucky and Florida Gulf Coast in 2025. UNF received all 12 first-place votes this season compared to only two received last year.
On top of being named the top preseason team of the conference, McCarthy also garnered the ASUN's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honor. She ended the 2025 season with 103 putouts and five assists on a .982 fielding percentage with only two errors committed as the every-day centerfielder.
"Really happy for Kalyn [McCarthy]. She is an elite defender, who I will put up against any outfielder in the country," Conrad stated. "She has a chance to win a gold glove. She makes SportsCenter Top 10 catches daily in practice, as well as in games. She takes tremendous pride in that side of her game."
On top of her fielding stats, McCarthy batted .272 (31-for-114) with 31 hits, 27 runs scored and three doubles, while starting all 61 games played during the 2025 season. She also batted .306 BA (15-for-49) with 15 runs and 10 steals in ASUN play, while being top 10 in the conference for steals with 17 total.
McCarthy and the rest of the Osprey squad will open the season at home on Thursday, Feb. 5, against Auburn with first pitch set for 4 p.m., at UNF Softball Complex.
The Ospreys come into the 2026 season as the defending ASUN Regular Season and Tournament champions after a 47-15 record last year with a run into the NCAA Regional finals. Head Coach Jeff Conrad enters his fourth year at the helm for UNF with 13 returners and a top-10 transfer portal class.
"It's an honor to be picked at the top in such a good softball league. It's a tribute to the growth of our program and the kids that are in it, as well as the players we have been able to attract," said Conrad. "Each and every member of our organization to a person will tell you, the only thing that matters is that No. 1 being by our name at the end of the year."
It's the second consecutive season being picked among the top of the preseason coaches poll, as the Ospreys were tied for first with Eastern Kentucky and Florida Gulf Coast in 2025. UNF received all 12 first-place votes this season compared to only two received last year.
On top of being named the top preseason team of the conference, McCarthy also garnered the ASUN's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honor. She ended the 2025 season with 103 putouts and five assists on a .982 fielding percentage with only two errors committed as the every-day centerfielder.
"Really happy for Kalyn [McCarthy]. She is an elite defender, who I will put up against any outfielder in the country," Conrad stated. "She has a chance to win a gold glove. She makes SportsCenter Top 10 catches daily in practice, as well as in games. She takes tremendous pride in that side of her game."
On top of her fielding stats, McCarthy batted .272 (31-for-114) with 31 hits, 27 runs scored and three doubles, while starting all 61 games played during the 2025 season. She also batted .306 BA (15-for-49) with 15 runs and 10 steals in ASUN play, while being top 10 in the conference for steals with 17 total.
McCarthy and the rest of the Osprey squad will open the season at home on Thursday, Feb. 5, against Auburn with first pitch set for 4 p.m., at UNF Softball Complex.
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