Lady Eagles ready for 2026 softball season at Tommy McDonald Field
The Meridian Community College softball program enters the 2026 season with renewed energy, depth, and expectations as the Lady Eagles prepare for their second year competing at the new Tommy McDonald Field, located inside the Citizens National Bank Sports Complex.
The Lady Eagles will open the 2026 season at home on Tuesday, Jan. 27, hosting Coastal Alabama-North in a doubleheader beginning at noon at Tommy McDonald Field.
Head Coach Brad Grinstead returns for his fourth season at the helm, joined by assistant coaches Kevin Kennedy and Gage Billings. After gaining valuable experience during the program's first season at the new facility, the Lady Eagles look to take the next step in 2026 and position themselves for a postseason run.
MCC returns eight sophomores from last year's roster, including two key players who missed the start of the 2025 campaign due to injury and are expected to provide leadership and stability this spring. Grinstead has also added nine newcomers, creating a roster that blends experience with new talent.
After the home opener, Meridian will then travel to Youngsville, Louisiana, to compete in the Mardi Gras Tournament, playing four games Jan. 30–31.
Following the tournament, MCC will face a stretch of non-conference doubleheaders before opening MACCC play at home on Saturday, March 7, with a 2 p.m. doubleheader against Northeast. Conference play will feature doubleheaders against all 14 MACCC schools as part of a demanding slate.
The Lady Eagles are scheduled to play 56 games during the 2026 season, including 32 home contests. The schedule includes six teams currently ranked in the NJCAA Division II national rankings, four of which compete in the MACCC — Co-Lin, Jones, Pearl River, and Itawamba — providing a strong test throughout the season.
Postseason play begins with the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament scheduled for May 1–3, with the regional championship set for May 6.
Fans can view the complete 2026 MCC Softball schedule on the MCC Athletics website.
Season and individual tickets for MCC Softball are available online at mcceagles.com/tickets. Tickets purchased online are $8, while tickets at the gate are $10. Fans can also watch all Lady Eagles softball games live or on demand at mcceagles.live.
For more information, visit mcceagles.com.