Softball season preview

The Catholic High School League softball season is underway, and the 2026 campaign is shaping up to be another competitive spring across the league. CHSL softball again features three championship levels — Bishop, Cardinal and Ste. Anne — with regular-season play organized through the Central Division, AA Division and Intersectional Division.

As always, the road to the postseason will be demanding. Every division brings quality programs, experienced coaches and teams capable of making a run once the weather turns and league play settles in. Early-season results have already shown plenty of offense and strong pitching performances, a sign that the race for playoff positioning should be highly competitive throughout the spring.

In the Bishop Championship picture, Farmington Hills Mercy enters the season as the defending league champion after winning the 2025 title over Dearborn Divine Child. Mercy has also opened this spring in strong fashion, sitting atop the Central Division standings at 2-0 after its first league action. That makes the Marlins an early team to watch as they pursue another CHSL championship.

The Cardinal Championship race should also be one to follow closely. Toledo Central Catholic claimed the 2025 Cardinal title, while the current league structure continues to provide a challenging path through the AA and related championship brackets. With the regular season still young, every doubleheader will matter as teams battle to establish themselves before playoff time arrives in May.

In the Ste. Anne Championship chase, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic returns as the defending league champion after capturing the 2025 title. Shrine has wasted little time making an early statement this season, opening 2-0 in Intersectional play and outscoring Detroit Cristo Rey 37-0 in its first two games. That fast start gives Shrine early momentum in what should be another competitive division race.

Across the CHSL, the excitement of a new season is always matched by the promise of growth. From established contenders to emerging programs, every team now has the opportunity to build toward championship week. If the opening days are any indication, CHSL softball fans can expect a season filled with quality competition, meaningful divisional matchups and another memorable postseason this spring.