Coach Kristi Swiderski sees ‘big improvements’ in team. Plus, more information on upcoming Spring sports.
BY: LINDSEY UNNERSTALL
Sports Editor
As the Meramec Archers gear up for the spring 2026 sports season, the energy is high for the men’s baseball and women’s softball teams just weeks ahead of their season kickoff. After a long fall semester of practices and training, both teams play their first season games the first few weeks of February.
Women’s softball Head Coach Kristi Swiderski said she believes the team is stronger than ever this year and has a good chance at making it to the National Tournament.
“The biggest improvement I have seen in the off season is our strength and quickness. They have hit the weight room hard. Every player on the team has exceeded their weight training goals, which is a good indicator of how strong and quick we will be,” Swiderski said.
After losing the regional tournament last year and surrendering a title the team had for six years in a row, the girls’ motivation to reach that goal again is higher than ever.
“We hit an offensive slump going into the post-season last year, which killed us. My goal this year is consistency from start to finish and of course getting the regional title back,” Swiderski said.
The regional championship isn’t the team’s only goal though, Swiderski said. After a year of training they are aiming to break records.
“The team has been working hard since August. We are excited to see the benefits of that hard work in action,” Swiderski said. “Our team is fast this year. I am excited to see the girls run and steal bases. I am confident we will break the program’s stolen base record. They will be fun to watch.”
It won’t be easy though, as the team faces harder teams and a new level of competition this season, she said.
“Based on the NJCAA preseason polls, we will be playing nine teams ranked in the top 20 nationally. It will be fun to see the girls rise to the occasion. I have confidence that they will,” Swiderski said. “We have a stronger pitching staff than we had last year. We have several ladies that can throw around 60+ mph from 43 feet away, which is tough to hit.”
Swiderski said she hopes the performance of the team will keep the community engaged and coming back to the games all season long.
“The game of fastpitch softball itself is fun to watch. It is different than baseball because it is faster in general. These determined ladies are fast, strong and can hit the ball over the fence,” Swiderski said. “I think most people will be pleasantly surprised with what they see and want to come back for more.”
Archer Spring Sports Ready To Swing
Upcoming spring sports starting this month include men’s baseball and women’s softball.
BY: LINDSEY UNNERSTALL
Sports Editor
Finishing off the winter season, the STLCC Archer’s men’s and women’s basketball teams continue to play against a variety of schools as they inch closer toward conference championships.
Upcoming spring sports starting this month include men’s baseball and women’s softball. The baseball team’s first season game is this Saturday, Feb. 7 against Southwest Tennessee Community College at USA Stadium. Their first home game isn’t until Friday, Feb. 20, against Rochester Community and Technical College.
The women’s softball team kicks off their season on Thursday, Feb. 12 with a game against Rock Valley College at Louisville Slugger Sports Complex. Their first home game is on Tuesday, March 3, against Lewis & Clark Community College.
