UMES Softball HBCU Coming up

Softball

UMES Softball Set to Open 2025 Season at HBCU Invitational

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team opens its 2025 season on Friday, Feb. 14, against Grambling State and Prairie View A&M in the HBCU Invitational.

With a mix of fresh faces under head coach Aaron Robinson, the Hawks aim to build on last season's progress. Here's a look at key preseason storylines and what's ahead this weekend in Covington, Georgia.

UMES enters the season with a 17-player roster, featuring seven freshmen, six transfers and four returners.

In a recent Hawk Talk feature, sports information coordinator Sedric Granger spoke with preseason All-MEAC selection Jaycee Holt and Robinson, who is entering his second season at the helm.


"Our culture this year and moving forward is built on accountability and ownership," Robinson said. "I want our student-athletes to understand they have a great opportunity to seize the moment, go after what they want and work as hard as they can to see results on the field.

"We also emphasize communication as one of our biggest staples—owning what you do and making the most of the student-athlete experience."

Entering her junior season, Holt looks to build on her 2024 success, when she claimed the MEAC stolen base crown with 26 steals. She also emerged as one of the team's leaders in the locker room heading into 2025.

"With the newcomers, many of whom are freshmen, they need support adjusting to college life, including the travel and missing classes," Holt said. "I'm always here for them to talk about life, academics and athletics. They're all great people who bring something different to the team, so it's amazing to have a program that comes together, works together and becomes friends on and off the field."

The Hawks open their 2025 season at the HBCU Invitational from Feb. 14-16, where they will face a mix of SWAC and CIAA competition. Their schedule includes matchups against Grambling State and Prairie View A&M on Friday, Alabama A&M and Claflin University (CIAA) on Saturday, and Florida A&M on Sunday.

The Hawks will be up for the challenge against SWAC preseason pitcher and player of the year Zoryana Hughes of Florida A&M and Mia Nunez of Prairie View A&M.
With a revamped roster and a strong emphasis on accountability, the Hawks are ready to put their offseason work to the test. The HBCU Invitational will serve as an early measuring stick for UMES as it sets its sights on a competitive 2025 campaign.



Keep up with the latest from UMES softball, follow along on UMESHawkSports.com and on social media on X (@UMESHawksSB), Instagram (@umeshawkssb) and Facebook (UMESHawkAthletics).
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Players Mentioned

Jaycee Holt

#5 Jaycee Holt

OF
5' 1"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Jaycee Holt

#5 Jaycee Holt

5' 1"
Sophomore
OF