The Virginia Tech Hokies softball team has ascended to the pinnacle of collegiate softball, claiming the No. 1 national ranking after a stretch of historic dominance that has captivated fans and analysts alike. This remarkable rise marks a new era for the Hokies, who have combined power at the plate with surgical precision on the field to establish themselves as the team to beat in the 2025 season.
Virginia Tech’s recent surge is not just a story of victories—it’s a showcase of a complete softball program firing on all cylinders. Their offense has overwhelmed opponents, ranking among the top in the NCAA in home runs, RBIs, and team batting average. Led by standout sluggers like senior All-American catcher Brooke Martin and sophomore sensation Riley Bennett, the Hokies have routinely put games out of reach by the third or fourth inning. Martin, in particular, has been the heart of the team, bringing leadership, clutch hitting, and defensive prowess behind the plate.
But it’s not just the bats that have made this run historic. Virginia Tech’s pitching staff has delivered performances that rival some of the best rotations in college softball history. A lethal one-two punch of ace right-hander Kelsey Novak and lefty freshman phenom Taylor Rivers has given opposing teams little to work with. The duo has combined for an ERA under 1.30, with Novak earning back-to-back ACC Pitcher of the Week honors in April and Rivers notching three shutouts in conference play.
Defensively, the Hokies have been just as dominant. With a fielding percentage that ranks among the nation’s best, they have turned double plays at a blistering rate and committed fewer than half the errors of some of their top-ten counterparts. Shortstop Jayla Ortiz and third baseman Hannah Lewis have anchored the infield with confidence and agility, making even the toughest plays look routine.
Under head coach Amanda Morales, now in her sixth season, Virginia Tech has developed a culture of resilience, discipline, and belief. Morales has instilled a mindset of “earned excellence,” a philosophy that has propelled the team from a perennial contender to the top of the rankings. Her player-centric approach and tactical brilliance have drawn praise across the college softball landscape.
Now sitting atop the polls, Virginia Tech isn’t just enjoying the spotlight—they’re setting the standard. With the postseason approaching, the Hokies look poised to carry their unmatched power and precision into the NCAA tournament, with their sights firmly set on the Women’s College World Series. For Virginia Tech and its fans, the dream has been realized—but the journey is far from over.
