Roxanne Rehberg is the head coach of Navy's very successful club softball team. Taking the role in 2017, she quickly turned Navy into a softball powerhouse, winning two national championships. Playing college softball at the University of Connecticut, Coach Rehberg is a civilian volunteer that receives a small stipend from the club sports department, but puts in full-time devotion towards developing Navy's Midshipmen.

Letterwinners: How long have you coached at the Naval Academy? Do you have a connection to the military?

Coach Rehberg: My connection to the Naval Academy started through my husband, who had orders to teach in the Electrical Engineering Department. He arrived in Fall 2013. After I had my daughter in 2016, I reached out to the softball team to see if they needed help. The head coach at the time told me he was retiring and encouraged me to interview. I met with the team captains and joined the program in Fall 2017. The best part of coaching here is working with the midshipmen. The women in our program have been incredible role models, not only for each other but also for young girls who come to our games. Watching them share their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm has made this experience truly special for me and my family.

Letterwinners: What is the history of Navy Softball? Was it once a varsity sport?

Coach Rehberg: Yes, Navy Softball was originally a varsity sport, but short-lived. After the Class of 1981, it transitioned to club status. I've had the opportunity to meet some of the women from that 1981 varsity team, and they've been impressed with how far the program has come. Back then, they played on Hospital Point, which is quite different from our current setup. Over the years, the program has continued to evolve. Joining the National Club Softball Association (NCSA), more than a decade ago, significantly increased the level of competition and helped the team grow stronger each year. We've also seen steady improvements in facilities and support. The Naval Academy Business Services Division has been incredibly supportive, including helping fund upgrades like a fence around the outfield and a new scoreboard.

Letterwinners: Tell us about your two national championships. Who are the top competitors at that level?

Coach Rehberg: We won back-to-back NCSA National Championships in 2018 and 2019. At that level, Michigan has traditionally been a top competitor. They even had a former Division I pitcher who dominated most teams. Illinois and Air Force have also been strong in recent years. Our identity as a team is aggressive baserunning and smart situational play. We emphasize stealing bases, applying pressure, and using small ball to create scoring opportunities. It's become part of our reputation. Fans often come specifically to watch how aggressively we run the bases. More broadly, the level of competition in club softball has risen. We're seeing more former Division I players choose the club route because it offers a more flexible and enjoyable experience while still being highly competitive.

Letterwinners: How do you recruit for a club sport?

Coach Rehberg: Recruiting is a bit different at the club level. I regularly hear from prospective students who want to play and I tell them the first step is to apply and gain admission. Once they're here, they can attend tryouts during the first academic week. I also receive a list of incoming students with softball experience and reach out to gauge interest. Before Induction Day, I host a barbecue for interested players so they can meet each other and start building camaraderie. That early connection helps them support each other through Plebe Summer and beyond.

Letterwinners: What is the culture of the team right now?

Coach Rehberg: We have a very strong team culture built on trust, accountability, and genuine friendship. They pick each other up after mistakes and stay locked in throughout games. We often talk about having a "goldfish mentality", like Ted Lasso, letting go of mistakes quickly and moving forward. One of the most meaningful compliments I've received came from a parent of another team, who said our players truly embody what it means to be a team. She noticed how much they enjoy being together, both on and off the field, and how that translates into how they play. There's no drama, just a group of athletes who care about each other and love competing together.

Letterwinners: Who are your team captains and key contributors?

Coach Rehberg: Our team captains are Alex Schneider '26 and Isabella Fernald '26, and I'd also include Catherine Shaffer '26 as a third leader. They really function as tri-captains. All three are outstanding midshipmen, athletes, and leaders. They balance each other well and contribute both on and off the field. Alex, for example, committed to Navy early in high school and has been a leader since her plebe year. They take on significant responsibility, especially as a club team. They manage logistics like travel orders, class absences, and team coordination. They also help lead weekly team study halls, where players support each other academically.

Letterwinners: What role do alumni play in your program?

Coach Rehberg: Our alumni are incredibly important to the program. They're loyal supporters who attend games, follow the team on the road, and stay actively engaged. They also connect with current players by sharing their experiences at the Academy and beyond. That perspective is invaluable. It helps our players see the bigger picture of what they're working toward. Their continued involvement strengthens the program and reinforces the sense of community across generations of Navy Softball.

Navy Softball just qualified for a bid at the NCSA World Series from May 14-17. Follow along at NCSA World Series | NCSA