Lowell softball head coach Mike McLindon enters the 2026 season focused on adapting as the Red Devils look to build around a strong returning core following the loss of a key pitcher.
McLindon, now in his 14th year, said Lowell returns much of its lineup, including top hitters and defensive contributors, but must replace its ace in the circle after graduating a conference pitcher of the year.
“Anytime you graduate somebody who is as efficient and as effective as Olivia, those are some big shoes to fill,” McLindon said. “But we’re in a really fortunate spot because we’re returning so many surrounding pieces offensively.”
With pitching still developing, McLindon expects the team to lean more heavily on its offense and defense early in the season.
“We know the pressure’s on us offensively, especially early,” McLindon said. “We may not have that luxury to wait, so we’re going to rely on offense and defense until our pitching gets up to speed.”
The Red Devils have emphasized strength and conditioning in the offseason, building team speed and power through a committed weight room program.
“Our commitment to the weight room… has been phenomenal,” McLindon said. “We expect that to continue to show up in our performance.”
Competing in one of the toughest conferences in the state, McLindon believes Lowell will be tested every night as the team works to develop its new identity.
