USC Union Lady Bantams Make History with Record-Breaking 2026 Season
The Lady Bantams softball team at USC Union has etched its name into the record books, delivering two of the most dominant seasons in program history. This class of sophomores not only showcased elite performance on the field but also excelled in the classroom, setting a new standard for success across the board.
The Lady Bantams compiled a historic résumé, becoming the winningest class in program history with 69 victories. The team also set new benchmarks in conference wins (32) and total games played (120), underscoring both consistency and endurance throughout the season.
Offensively, the numbers were just as impressive. The team recorded 803 runs, 1,104 singles, 209 doubles, 43 triples, and 52 home runs. Their collective batting average of .369 reflects a disciplined and explosive lineup, while 240 stolen bases demonstrated aggressive baserunning. Defensively, the Lady Bantams held opponents scoreless in 22 shutouts, highlighting a well-rounded and formidable squad.
Several student-athletes played key roles in the team's success while also earning academic honors and preparing for their next chapters.
Emma Pelletier appeared in 73 games, posting a .305 batting average with 61 hits and 34 RBIs. A consistent presence on the Dean's List, she earned NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All-American and NFCA Scholar honors. Pelletier will continue her academic and softball career at Cottey College, majoring in business.
Pitcher June Heitman made her mark in the circle, appearing in 55 games with 52 starts and a 2.99 ERA. She set a program record with 29 career wins and tallied 200 strikeouts. A standout in the classroom, she earned both President's and Dean's List recognition, along with NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All-American and NFCA Scholar honors. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina.
Skyler Brown, who played in 101 games, contributed a .294 batting average, 60 hits, 39 RBIs, and four home runs. A NJCAA 1st Team Academic All-American, she will continue her softball career at West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
Kyla Downs-Paprocki appeared in 37 games, hitting .287 with 16 hits and 13 RBIs. She earned NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All-American honors and will continue her education and softball career at John Melvin Christian College in Orlando, Florida.
Paige Shelton stood out with a .369 batting average across 48 games, tallying 41 hits, 27 RBIs, and four home runs. A NJCAA 1st Team Academic All-American, she plans to pursue her education degree at the University of South Carolina.
Mayson Horton recorded a .386 batting average in 35 games, with 17 hits, 14 RBIs, and two home runs. She will continue her studies in the nursing program at University of South Carolina Aiken.
Allie Cole delivered one of the most impressive careers, playing in 97 games with a .378 average, 103 hits, 66 RBIs, and seven home runs. In addition to earning NJCAA 1st Team Academic All-American honors, she was named 1st Team All-Region and a finalist for NJCAA DP of the Year. She will continue her academic and athletic career at Columbia College.
Carson Rumsey contributed a .325 batting average with 50 hits, 44 RBIs, and four home runs over 69 games. She plans to enter the workforce following graduation.
Allie Davis appeared in 77 games, posting a .381 batting average with 77 hits, 38 RBIs, and three home runs. She earned NJCAA 2nd Team Academic All-American honors and will also enter the workforce.
From dominant pitching to explosive offense and classroom excellence, this group has set a new benchmark for future teams at USC Union. As these student-athletes move on to four-year programs and professional opportunities, their impact on the Lady Bantams program will be felt for years to come.