June 30, 2026
Ava Gardner’s breakout freshman season signals bright future for Ferris State softball program
Ava Gardner has already etched herself into Ferris State University softball history, as the reigning 2026 GLIAC Freshman of the Year has her sights set on continuing to develop winning culture for the program.
A Hudsonville native, Gardner capped her debut collegiate season by also garnering First Team All-Conference and All-Midwest Region recognition — accomplishments rarely achieved by a first-year player.
"When I first got here, I was excited to play college softball. I was even more excited to be part of the culture and the team we have here," Gardner said. "I've really loved being here at Ferris."
Throughout 57 contests last season, her production ranked among the top freshman performances in recent program history and immediately established her a consistent young hitter that opponents cannot ignore.
"We really worked on our approaches at the plate. That's been a big focus for our entire team," she said. "Coming in as a freshman, I didn't necessarily have that as my focus. It helps to have that now.
"Coach (Jake Schumann) has really taught us a lot about focusing on what you're looking for, and I know that's been really helpful for my at-bats."
Gardner arrived at Ferris State as part of a talented freshman class that accelerated the Bulldogs' resurgence, giving the team a youthful core capable of competing now while building toward even bigger goals ahead.
The left fielder slid into a talented lineup in the No. 3 spot — surrounded by strong hitters, including junior Alexis Kozlowski in the No. 2 slot and freshman Emma Herremans batting cleanup. The trio, among other Bulldogs, helped the team mark 37 wins in 2026 while the team batted a. 304 overall mark, and .324 in GLIAC play.
Ferris State's 37 wins were the most for the program since 1999 and gave them their best GLIAC placement since 2013 at second overall. This season was also their first appearance in the GLIAC Tournament Championship since 2012.
Each player among Ferris State’s potent lineup knows they play a critical role, including Gardner.
"I know if I get out or if I don't have a solid at-bat, the next girl behind me is going to pick me up. … So, that's awesome having a great lineup from top to bottom,” she said.
Under Schumann, the program has strung together a series of strong recruiting classes that have Ferris State positioned as a program on the rise.
Gardner was one of several first-year Bulldogs who made an immediate impact. She is the first Bulldog to win GLIAC Freshman of the Year in the last five seasons, joining Kozlowski and senior infielder Jadyn Joseph.
"It's amazing. I am so glad I'm here," Gardner said. "This is great – great girls on the team, great coaching staff. I love it here. We've focused on toughness, and being ready to play to win games. We want to come out and be the best team we can possibly be."
With a roster featuring multiple young players in key roles, the Bulldogs appear positioned to remain among the GLIAC's top contenders heading into next season, as Gardner's emergence is a major reason why optimism surrounding the program continues to grow.
"It seems like the sky is the limit for us," Gardner said. "So, it's exciting to think about our future. We have so much good going on with this program. When we string it all together, we're going to be unstoppable."