D1Big Ten
Very Competitive

Northwestern University Softball

Big Ten · Evanston, IL

Strong ProgramU.S. News #9Grads earn $89K/yr

$66K

In-state tuition

Up to 25

Scholarships

allowed under 2025 roster-limit rules (funding varies by program)

96%

Graduation rate

Room & board: $20K

WCWS 1 of last 5 years

2023-2024 data via IPEDS

Program Info

Division
D1
Conference
Big Ten
Location
Evanston, IL
Scholarships
Up to 25 (2025 roster rules)

What Northwestern Coaches Look For

Recruiting benchmarks for Power 4 programs. Min = on the radar, Competitive = solidly in the pool, Elite = stands out.

Pitching Velocity
64 mphMin
67 mphCompetitive
70 mphElite
Exit Velocity (Tee)
72 mphMin
75 mphCompetitive
80 mphElite
Home to 1st (RH)
3.1 secMin
2.9 secCompetitive
2.8 secElite
Overhand Throw (IF)
60 mphMin
63 mphCompetitive
66 mphElite
Pop Time (2B)
1.9 secMin
1.8 secCompetitive
1.7 secElite
GPA
3.2Min
3.4Competitive
3.7Elite

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Benchmarks compiled from recruiting services. Individual programs may have different expectations based on roster needs.

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Grade:

Recruiting Timeline

D1 contact rules for Northwestern. Select your graduation year to see personalized deadlines.

Class of 2028 — currently a Junior

When Coaches Can Contact You

September 1 of junior year — coaches can call, text, email, and DM on social media

Campus Visits

Official and unofficial visits with the coaching staff can begin September 1 of junior year (campus visits without recruiting contact are allowed anytime)

Offers & Commitments

Verbal offers can happen anytime (not binding). Written aid offers are signed during the early or regular signing period (the NLI was eliminated in October 2024).

Key Dates

  • September 1, junior year — official contact begins
  • September 1, junior year — official and unofficial visits can begin
  • Early signing period (November) — written aid offer signing
  • Regular signing period (April) — written aid offer signing

Updated for 2025-2026 NCAA rules

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Coaching Staff

Kate Drohan

Head Coach

Legacy Coach24 years at Northwestern
k•••@northwestern.edu

Caryl Drohan

Associate Head Coach

c•••@northwestern.edu

Michelle Gascoigne

Assistant Coach

m•••@northwestern.edu

Tony Smith

Assistant Coach

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Camps & Clinics

Camp dates not yet available for Northwestern.

Search for "Northwestern softball camp" for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get recruited by Northwestern University softball?

Start by filling out the Northwestern University recruiting questionnaire, then email the coaching staff directly. Attend camps and showcases where Northwestern University coaches are present. CommitBound can help you track your outreach and build recruiting habits.

Does Northwestern University offer softball scholarships?

Northwestern University is a D1 program. Up to 25 scholarships are allowed under the 2025 roster-limit rules, though funding varies by program.

Who is the head coach at Northwestern University?

The current head coach is Kate Drohan. Verified coach email access is available with a free CommitBound account.

Location

Recruiting Difficulty

Very Competitive

This is an elite D1 program. Recruits typically have extensive travel ball experience, strong academics, and begin the recruiting process early.

Graduate Outcomes

Median earnings (10yr)
$89,363/yr
Median earnings (6yr)
$76,844/yr
Median student debt
$15,000
Admission rate
8%

Consider ROI — based on earnings vs. cost of attendance

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

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More D1 Programs in IL

Quick Facts

Division
D1
Conference
Big Ten
State
IL
Camps Listed
Coming soon

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