University of Charleston Athletics

The University of Charleston 2015-2016 softball team will forever go down in Golden Eagle history, dominating their way to the program's first-ever Division II College World Series. The team finished 50-12 overall, going 29-3 in the MEC, which put them first in the MEC South Division. The Golden Eagles were nearly unstoppable at home, winning 21 of 22 home games. The squad also posted an impressive 25-game win streak from April 2nd to April 30th.

The team won the Atlantic Region Championship, advanced to the World Series, and was eventually ranked #8 in the Final NFCA Top 25 Poll.

The impressive season was complemented by multiple accolades for both the players and coaching staff. Head Coach Ray Loeser was named Mountain East Conference Coach of the Year, and the staff was named NFCA Atlantic Coaching Staff of the Year. Alli Burdette was a dominant force in the circle and was named Mountain East Conference Pitcher of the Year. The team also earned four All-Region and All-MEC selections: Alli Burdette, Kelly Browning, Laura Ashlock, and Rachelle Toppings. Ashlock, Burdette, and Toppings were also named to the MEC All-Tournament Team. Adding to their impressive campaigns, Alli Burdette and Kelly Browning also earned All-American recognition.

Several athletes earned praise on the field, and a handful of Golden Eagles were also recognized for their success in the classroom. Charleston earned four CoSIDA Academic All-District Selections, which included Browning and Toppings, as well as Jessie Rowe and Katelyn Hamilton. Kelly Browning was additionally named an Academic All-American.