Shepherd University Athletics

Former Ram Allison Baker enters her fifth season on the softball staff. She joined the staff as a graduate assistant and was elevated to a full-time assistant in August 2022.

The Rams recorded a 24-23 overall mark with an 18-14 mark in conference play in 2026. Madelayne Ruffner (first team) and Haylee Hartman (second team) earned All-PSAC East honors. Ruffner also garnered first team All-Region and second team All-American from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and Division II Collegiate Commissioners Association (D2CCA). Ruffner was also the NCAA II statistical champion in strikeouts per seven innings (12.4), strikeouts-to-walk ratio (13.86), and WHIP (0.71). 

Shepherd posted a 28-24-1 overall record in 2025 with a 19-12-1 mark in conference play. The Rams made their fourth NCAA II postseason appearance under Leslie. Madelayne Ruffner, Lauren Moore, and Madelyn Chamhers all gained first team All-PSAC East honors The trio also gained All-Atlantic Region accolades. Ruffner and Moore gained All-American honors. Ruffner was also the NCAA II statistical champion in strikeouts per seven innings (12.5).

The Fredericksburg, Virginia native played softball for the Rams from 2017-21. She garnered second team All-PSAC East honors in 2021 and also gained PSAC Athlete of the Week for March 15, 2021. 

Baker gained her RBA degree from Shepherd in 2020. She added a master's degree in College Student Development and Administration in 2022.