NEW YORK – For the second consecutive season, the Villanova Wildcats were picked to lead the BIG EAST as announced in Friday’s 2025 BIG EAST Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The reigning BIG EAST tournament champions earned 61 points and six first place votes following a historic 2024 campaign.
Last season, the Wildcats enjoyed their fourth consecutive 30-win season, capturing the squad’s third BIG EAST title in four years. Villanova took advantage of the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, reaching the Regional Final for the first time in program history with a 4-1 victory over Southeast Missouri State and 7-2 win over #16 Arkansas.
Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Bridget Orchard, the Wildcats return two-time All-BIG EAST shortstop Ava Franz, 2024 unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST second baseman Lilly St. Jean, 2024 Second Team All-BIG EAST outfielder Elaina Wagner, and two-time All-Tournament selection Kelsey White. 2023 Second Team All-BIG EAST pitcher Kat Gallant returns to the circle for her junior season.
UConn was picked to finish second with 57 total points and a pair of first place votes. Last season, the Huskies finished second in the regular season before advancing to the semifinals of the BIG EAST Championship. Head coach Laura Valentino’s squad will feature the 2024 BIG EAST Player of the Year, Lexi Hastings, who led the league in batting (.500), hits (37), stolen bases (16), and on-base percentage (.537). She is again joined by teammates Rosie Garcia (Infield, 2024 First Team All-BIG EAST), Grace Jenkins (Catcher, 2024 Second Team All-BIG EAST), Hope Jenkins (Utility, 2024 Second Team All-BIG EAST), and Payton Kinney (Pitcher, 2024 Second Team All-BIG EAST).
St. John’s amassed 46 points to finish third in the poll. In head coach Michelle DePolo’s inaugural season, the Johnnies recorded their third-highest win total in program history (31). Key Red Storm returners include unanimous First Team All-Conference selection London Jarrard as well as Second Team All-BIG EAST honorees Jess Bianco and Ana Serafinko.
Creighton, the 2024 BIG EAST Championship runners-up, finished fourth in the preseason poll with 43 points and one first place vote. Last year, Krista Wood’s Bluejays registered 36 wins for their first 35-win season since 2010. This year’s lineup will boast the reigning BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year Ashten Pierson, First Team All-Conference selection Ella Dalton (outfield), and Second Team All-BIG EAST honoree Sydra Seville (outfield).
Seton Hall finished fifth in the poll with 39 points. Notable returning Pirate players include 2024 Rookie of the Year Katey Brennan, dual-threat First Team All-Conference pitcher Kelsey Carr, and First Team All-BIG EAST first baseman Olivia Gilbert.
Butler ranked sixth in the poll with 28 points. The Bulldogs boast First Team All-BIG EAST outfielder Cate Lehner and Second Team All-Region utility player Ella White.
Providence followed in seventh with 27 points. The Friars feature Second Team All-Conference centerfielder Gabby Lee and the league leader in appearances (22), Alyssa Twomey.
DePaul captured the eighth spot with 14 points. The Blue Demons will refresh their lineup with transfer talent in 2023 First Team All-NEC infielder Madee Wilson (St. Francis) and two-time All-Ivy League honoree Kelly Beaupre (Dartmouth).
Georgetown rounded out the field with nine points. The Hoyas return 2024 Second Team All-BIG EAST outfielder Claire Turner.
| Results (First Place Votes) |
| 1. Villanova - 61 (6) |
| 2. UConn - 57 (2) |
| 3. St. John's - 46 |
| 4. Creighton - 43 (1) |
| 5. Seton Hall - 39 |
| 6. Butler - 28 |
| 7. Providence - 27 |
| 8. DePaul - 14 |
| 9. Georgetown - 9 |