CHICAGO – Roosevelt softball head coach Michele Alexander announced eight newcomers who will join the Lakers for the 2026 season this spring.

The group includes six freshmen and two transfers complementing the returning core that qualified for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament in its first year in the league. 

"We're really excited about the long-term potential and immediate value this freshman class brings to our program," Alexander said. "Kennedi sets the tone with her leadership and confidence behind the plate. She has a strong presence defensively and adds power to our lineup. Kennedy brings a competitive edge in the circle and contributes offensively as making her a valuable two-way addition with her versatility.

"In the outfield, Marissa and Lundin complement each other well," Alexander continued. "Marissa reads the game with poise and brings a strong arm, while Lundin adds speed and range that will boost our defense and create pressure on the bases. Sophia brings energy, reliability, and a steady glove up the middle with her confidence and consistency. Nina is a steady utility player who understands the game and can step into multiple roles as needed. Collectively, this class brings balance, depth, and a strong foundation for the future of Roosevelt Softball."

Sophia Barofsky | Fr. | Infield | Downers Grove, Ill. | Downers Grove HS
Awards: All-Conference
Why Roosevelt: I chose Roosevelt because I liked that it was close to home. I also really enjoy being in the city, and really liked the idea of the Division II competition.

Kennedy Calderon | Fr. | Pitcher | Placentia, Calif. | El Dorado HS
Awards: 3x Varsity
Why Roosevelt: The coaches made me feel like I was at home, and I fell in love with the city!

Lundin Cornelius | Fr. | Outfield | Aurora, Ill. | Oswego East HS
Awards: All-Conference and All-State
Why Roosevelt: I chose Roosevelt because of the awesome coaches. I also LOVED the campus and the city surrounding it, and the level of competition!!!

Nina Matthews | Fr. | Utility | Addison, Ill. | Addison Trail HS
Awards: 4x All-Conference, All Area, 2x Athlete of the Month
Why Roosevelt: I chose Roosevelt because it made me excited to move on to the next chapter. Roosevelt softball looks like a family that I believe I would fit in with well. I always had the dream of playing college softball as a little girl.
 
Marissa Quintero | Fr. | Outfield | Chino, Calif. | Chino HS
Awards: Offensive MVP and 2nd Team All-League in 2024. 2nd Team All-League and Scholar Athlete in 2025.
Why Roosevelt: I chose Roosevelt because I fell in love with the city and the school, which had so much to offer.

Kennedi Robien | Fr. | Catcher | East Alton, Ill. | Roxana HS
Awards: 2x Offensive Player of the Year, MVP, Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Silver Medallion for finishing in the top 8% in her class, 2x All-State, All-Sectional
Why Roosevelt: At Roosevelt I felt I would have the best opportunity to grow not only as a player but as a person as well! Roosevelt was the right fit for my athletic dreams and also my future beyond softball. I want to be a part of a program and an environment that pushes me to be the best I can be and that was Roosevelt. The campus feels like home and there is so much to explore in the city!

Madisyn Schrad | Jr. | Catcher | Champagin, Ill. | South Georgia State
Awards: GCAA All-Region, GCAA All-Academic Team, NJCAA First-Team Academic All American, Illinois 3A All-State Third Team
Why Roosevelt: I chose Roosevelt because it's a great fit academically and it's close to home. The coaches and the team are very supportive and welcoming.

Cassidy Sullivan | So. | Infield | Crown Point, Ind. | Southern Connecticut State
Awards: Deans List Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Why Roosevelt: I chose Roosevelt because I believe that the team represents hard work and is willing to put in the hard work to succeed. I also love the school and the location of where it's at!