Royals Look to Showcase Growth and Depth in Return to Columbus
Johnson Royals Look for Different Outcome this Time
“We went to this big tournament two years ago. We thought we were ready for the big stage on NAIA softball and we weren’t.” Those are the words of Johnson University Royals softball head coach, Dayna Carter.
The Royals are headed back to the NFCA NAIA Leadoff Classic in 2026, in hopes to have a better outcome than the last time. In the 2024 season, the Royals left Columbus, Georgia 1-6 in the Leadoff Classic. Those were some early season growing pains against great teams that went on to the postseason that year.
“So going back this year is testing us to see where we are and where we need to be,” said Carter.
Coming off of their first postseason run as a young program in 2025, the Royals are looking to build off that success, and this leadoff classic is the perfect opportunity to show the country that the Royals are ready. Johnson is scheduled to face Faulkner University, the University of Rio Grande who went 46-11 in 2025, Stillman College who went 33-13, and Freed-Hardeman University.
The Royals finished 29-15 last season, with a first round exit in the NAIA Tournament. In 2026, the Royals are looking to put their first ever 30-plus win season on the board, and they have the roster to do so. During our previous conversation, Carter expressed with great excitement the players and depth they’ve built.
Sophomore standout Madisyn Thacker-Wolfe, who played through injury late last season, is expected to be a major contributor when fully healthy. As a freshman, she slashed .437/.481/.606 with two home runs, 47 RBIs, and 18 extra-base hits in 43 games.
“Megan Armstrong, she is our left-handed first baseman. She just loves to hit bombs,” said Carter. Armstrong led the team last season with seven home runs, 23 extra-base hits, and a .387 batting average.
The Royals also bring back a big senior class, led by pitcher Lindy Webber. She posted an 18-6 record with a 1.87 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 129 strikeouts in 146 innings pitched. Webber averaged just a little over six strikeouts per game and recorded seven shutouts.
“But the great thing I can say about that is, as good as they are, our freshmen are also as good. So they are already pushing, which I love, because it is a healthy competition,” Carter said.
The Royals are going into 2026 with a fun and let’s do this type of mindset. Carter mentioned that is when they were at their best last season. The Royals are currently putting in the work to assure that ’26 is one to remember.
“This fall has been a lot of fun. We have a large senior class and a large freshman class that have really meshed well. We use the fall for development. We switch players and pitchers out every two innings because we want everyone to get reps but also learn to work out of different situations,” Carter said.
The Royals have not only built depth but great chemistry, which Carter is very excited about. Now that the program has entered into a new stage after showing in 2025 they are winners, they will no longer sneak up on anyone. This is where the program can stack on momentum, and become a premier name in NAIA softball.
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