The 2020 NCAA Division I Softball season, play of college softball in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level, began February 6, 2020. The season ended on March 12, 2020, when the NCAA cancelled all winter championships and spring sports seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 NCAA Division I softball tournament and 2020 Women's College World Series, which were to be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, did not occur.
Coronavirus impact and cancellation As of March 12, 2020, the NCAA cancelled both the remainder of the season and the tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As of 2021, all Division I softball players were given another year of eligibility due to the restraints and cancellations from the coronavirus pandemic. Each player is given the option to use their extra year of eligibility or not.
Ballpark changes The 2020 season was the first for Virginia at Palmer Park, replacing The Park. The team played its first game there on March 3 against James Madison. The 2020 season was the first for Clemson at Clemson Softball Stadium, and its first season altogether.
Season outlook
USA Today / NFCA DI Coaches Poll RankingTeam12Alabama34567Florida8910Louisiana11LSU12Tennessee131415Kentucky16Georgia17Michigan1819South Carolina2021Ole Miss2223Auburn24Arkansas25 ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Poll RankingTeam1Alabama23456789Florida10LouisianaT11LSUT11Tennessee1314Michigan1516Kentucky17Georgia181920Arkansas21South Carolina22232425Ole Miss D1Softball RankingTeam1Alabama2345678Louisiana9Florida1011LSU121314Tennessee15Georgia1617Kentucky18Michigan1920South Carolina21Arkansas22Auburn232425Missouri Softball America RankingTeam12Alabama345678Louisiana91011Florida1213LSU14Tennessee15Michigan16Georgia17Arkansas181920Kentucky2122South Carolina23Auburn2425 FloSoftball RankingTeam1234Alabama5678Louisiana91011Michigan12Tennessee131415LSU16Florida17Arkansas18Ole Miss192021South Carolina2223Georgia24Kentucky25
Conference standings Note: Records as of cancellation of season on March 12, 2020.
Awards Softball America Player of the Year: Miranda Elish, Texas Softball America Pitcher of the Year: Megan Faraimo, UCLA Softball America Freshman of the Year: Maya Brady, UCLA Softball America Defensive Player of the Year: Sis Bates, Washington
Coaching changes This table lists programs that changed head coaches at any point from the first day of the 2020 season until the day before the first day of the 2021 season. TeamFormercoachInterimcoachNewcoachReason California Diane Ninemire Tammy Lohmann On March 4, 2020, Longtime Cal head coach Diane Ninemire steps down after 32 years for health reasons. Associate head coach Tammy Lohmann will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Minnesota Jamie Trachsel Piper Ritter On April 23, 2020, Ole Miss hired Jamie Trachsel as their head coach. On May 3, 2020, Minnesota announced the hiring of pitching coach Piper Ritter as their new head coach. Ole Miss Ruben Felix Jamie Trachsel On April 23, 2020, Ole Miss hired Minnesota head coach Jamie Trachsel as their head coach replacing interim coach Ruben Felix.
See also 2020 NCAA Division I baseball season
References