5 Key Takeaways From The Northern Colorado Bears Softball 2025 Season: Roster Deep Dive And Big Sky Future

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Bears Softball program wrapped up a challenging yet growth-filled 2025 season, one that showcased flashes of brilliance and a foundation for future success under Head Coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm. The team’s journey, which began against top-tier competition at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, was a true test of resilience, culminating in a competitive showing in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. As of today, December 17, 2025, the focus shifts to leveraging the experience gained from a 19-30 overall record and an even 7-7 conference finish to build a dominant program in the years to come.

This article provides an in-depth look at the 2025 Northern Colorado softball campaign, detailing the key players who drove the offense and defense, the coaching philosophy shaping the program, and the significant moments that defined their year. The Bears proved they could compete with the best, demonstrating the "grit and growth" that will be the hallmark of the team moving forward.

The 2025 Northern Colorado Bears Softball Core: Player & Coaching Profiles

The success of the UNC Bears in the 2025 season was a collective effort, driven by a blend of veteran leadership and promising young talent. Guiding this group was a dedicated coaching staff focused on developing a cohesive and competitive unit. This section details the key personnel who shaped the team's performance throughout the year.

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• Head Coach: Dedeann Pendleton-Helm
  Named Head Coach in June 2022, Pendleton-Helm is the driving force behind the program's recent trajectory. Her leadership is centered on building a culture of growth and resilience, which was evident in the team's ability to compete in the Big Sky Conference.
• Assistant Coach: Harold Simmons
  Serving alongside Pendleton-Helm, Coach Simmons plays a vital role in player development and game strategy, contributing to the team's competitive edge.

Key Roster Entities & Player Biographies

The 2025 roster featured several players whose performances were instrumental to the team's Big Sky success and overall competitive spirit. These athletes represent the future of UNC Softball:

• Abby Gaona: A foundational player on the roster who provided consistent presence and leadership throughout the demanding schedule.
• Jaycie Gandert: Noted as a key contributor, Gandert was one of the top players in terms of total hits, demonstrating her ability to get on base consistently for the Bears' offense.
• Krista Francia: A crucial member of the squad whose performance in the field and at the plate helped anchor the team during conference play.
• Alina Quinney: A significant entity on the roster, Quinney's all-around play was a factor in several key victories.
• Sabrina Javorsky: Listed among the top contributors in key offensive categories, Javorsky’s power and run production were essential for the team.
• Kamana Powell: Provided depth and flexibility to the lineup, proving to be a valuable asset in various game situations.
• Jazzy Longo: Contributed to the team's defensive and offensive efforts, adding to the depth of the UNC roster.
• Kenzie Carter: A key player whose role was vital in maintaining the team's competitive spirit through the long season.
• Katie Thomson: A Sophomore Outfielder from Firestone, California, Thomson represents the promising young core of the team.
• Malaina Alifano: Another important entity on the roster, contributing to the team's overall statistics and performance.
• Quinn Myers-Lenz: A top-tier contributor in offensive statistics, Myers-Lenz was a critical run-scorer and run-producer for the Bears.
• Lauren Strathearn: Provided significant offensive output, ranking high in the team's overall statistics.
• Alyssa Wenzel: Another player whose consistent performance placed her among the team's statistical leaders.
• Amailee Morales: Identified as a First Base player, Morales was a defensive anchor and a reliable presence in the batting order.

The 2025 Season Defined: Grit, Growth, and Big Sky Resilience

The 2025 season for Northern Colorado softball was a true narrative of development, pitting the Bears against some of the nation's top Division I talent early in the year. This demanding schedule was designed to prepare the team for the rigors of the Big Sky Conference.

The season officially kicked off at the prestigious Puerto Vallarta College Challenge in Mexico, a tournament known for featuring elite programs. This early exposure to high-level competition, while resulting in some tough losses, was crucial for the team's mental toughness and strategic development.

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As the schedule transitioned into conference play, the Bears found their footing. They finished with a respectable 7-7 record in the Big Sky, demonstrating their ability to compete directly with rivals like the Portland State Vikings and the Sacramento State Hornets. The team hosted several key conference series at their home field, Gloria Rodriguez Field, providing a competitive atmosphere for the UNC faithful.

A major highlight of the season was the team's performance in the Big Sky Tournament. Despite the overall season record, the Bears showed their postseason resilience by winning their first game with a decisive 7-5 victory, a clear sign of their ability to perform under pressure and a testament to the coaching staff's preparation. The final overall record stood at 19-30, a mark that reflects both the challenging non-conference schedule and the team's competitive nature within the conference.

Future Outlook and Topical Authority: What's Next for UNC Softball?

Looking ahead, the Northern Colorado Softball program is poised for a strong future. The 2025 season served as a crucial stepping stone, establishing a baseline of competitive performance within the Big Sky Conference. The experience gained by key players like Sophomore Outfielder Katie Thomson and offensive leaders Jaycie Gandert and Quinn Myers-Lenz will be invaluable.

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The foundation laid by Dedeann Pendleton-Helm is focused on consistent improvement and recruiting talent that fits the program's culture. The team will look to improve its performance against non-conference opponents like New Mexico State University while aiming for a higher seed in the Big Sky Tournament. The recruitment of new talent, including the 2026 signing class, indicates a commitment to strengthening the roster depth and overall competitive level.

Key Areas for Future Development

To ascend the Big Sky standings, the Bears will likely focus on several key areas:

• Pitching Consistency: Developing a deeper and more consistent pitching rotation will be critical for managing the long conference schedule and succeeding in tournament play.
• Offensive Production: While players like Sabrina Javorsky and Lauren Strathearn provided strong numbers, increasing the team's overall run production and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be a priority.
• Home Field Advantage: Maximizing wins at Gloria Rodriguez Field will be key to securing a top seed for future Big Sky Tournaments, providing a crucial psychological edge.

The University of Northern Colorado Softball team is clearly on an upward trajectory. With a solid core of returning players and an experienced coaching staff, the program is well-positioned to challenge for a Big Sky title in the coming seasons, building on the hard-fought lessons and moments of resilience from the 2025 campaign. The commitment to developing a program built on "grit, growth, and resilience" ensures that UNC will remain a significant force in Division I college softball.