Lady Jackets 2025–26 Softball Schedule Release: 

A renewed sense of energy is taking hold at Howard Payne University as the Lady Jackets prepare for the 2025–26 softball season under the direction of first-year head coach Bianca Gonzales. A veteran of more than a decade in softball instruction and development, Gonzales arrives at HPU following a successful stint at Texas College and brings with her a reputation for developing athletes, elevating team culture, and building programs rooted in discipline and competitive fire. Her vision aligns closely with HPU's mission, and her early remarks—highlighting her excitement to connect with players and help them grow both on and off the field—set a confident tone for the season ahead.

The Lady Jackets will open their campaign on January 31 with a road trip to Schreiner University in Kerrville, marking their first official outing under Gonzales's leadership. The team returns to Brownwood the following week for their home debut on February 6–7, hosting Central Christian College of Kansas in a two-day series that should give fans their first real glimpse of the team's new identity and on-field approach. The schedule continues to build through the spring until April 10, when the Lady Jackets host East Texas Baptist University for a doubleheader that signals the start of conference play and the beginning of the season's most meaningful stretch. The season will continue through the end of April with their final home stand on April 24-25 against The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with the ASC Conference Tournament starting on May 7th. 

With a fresh schedule and a new coaching philosophy guiding them, the Lady Jackets enter the year with excitement and determination. Gonzales's emphasis on fundamentals, team cohesion, and overall student-athlete development has already begun to shape the program's direction. As the season unfolds, this blend of new leadership and renewed purpose positions HPU to grow, compete, and continue building the standard for Lady Jacket Softball.