UMD Softball Set for 2025 Season with New Head Coach at the Helm

The Bulldogs finished the 2024 season 41-15.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team has been successful in their past few seasons.

This year, the expectations are no different as they’ll look to continue that trend with a new head coach at the helm.

Nat Wagner was hired as the new bench boss in August of 2024, becoming the program’s fifth head coach.

The Bulldogs finished the 2024 season 41-15 and made a run in the NSIC tournament, where they fell to Augustana in the championship game 9-0.

In Wagner’s first season with UMD, he wants to continue to build off their legacy.

“Legacy is big. It’s one of the things that drew me here. I have had a lot of successes in conference in other programs as well. We know how hard, one those legacy are,” said Wagner. “Again, I feel really happy about how that identity has evolved this year. The kids really respect the program that they are a part of, they take a lot of pride in it, and they want to play good Bulldog softball.”

With a new head coach, the Bulldogs feel a fresh atmosphere going into the 2025 season.

“It’s been great, new atmosphere, new coach, adjustments with the team. He has been amazing super helpful, he’s really just a hands-on coach and he really truly cares about all of his players, “said UMD pitcher Maddy Walsh.  “Everyone is ready to go, ready to put our jerseys on and play.”

The Bulldogs open up their season on the road against Southwest Minnesota State.

First pitch is at 11 a.m.