Will Scholarship Increase Lead to WVU Adding Softball?

Once news spread about WVU Athletics adding 140 new scholarships, there was one question that instantly popped into the minds of West Virginia fans – will we now see softball at WVU?

The rise of the WVU baseball program has made the void of a softball team become more prominent. This was even exacerbated by the 2023 viral connection with Iowa State, a fellow Big 12 school with the reverse problem – a successful softball team but no baseball team.

A phenomenon labeled the “Cycloneers” has eventually made WVU fans wish they had a softball team of their own. Cheering for a team from another school was cool at first, but Mountaineer Nation will always prefer for their team to represent West Virginia instead.

However, the truth of the matters remains – WVU is far more focused on stabilizing the teams already in operation than adding another one. The intention behind adding more scholarships is to both assist football while also continuing the success of top Olympics sports like baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, rifle and track and simultaneously trying to build up volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming etc.

Despite the fan interest, adding softball to the equation still seems unlikely and an extra complication that’s unnecessary. It’s just not a priority right now.

But IF a West Virginia softball team does happen, WVU director of athletics Wren Baker already has someone interested in being the head coach, a hiring that would be extremely fitting and popular.

Can’t wait to be the head coach https://t.co/pnGQaNxvxK

— Lea Nelson (@leacj21) October 10, 2025

More About WVU Adding 140 New Scholarships

In a major move that directly stems from a recent vote by the WVU Board of Governors, West Virginia will add 140 new athletic scholarships starting in the 2026-27 season. This will include 16 new football scholarships and 124 in Olympic sports.

The WVU’s Board of Governors voted in September to be among the top funded schools in the Big 12.

West Virginia will go from 260 athletic scholarships to 400 among its 18 varsity sports. In addition to a significant increase in the number of scholarships for football, it is also an investment in the future of Olympic sports at WVU, with an additional 124 scholarships in those sports.

“These new scholarships will be a huge boost to our programs. I’m grateful for our donors and supporters and the leadership of President Michael Benson and our Board of Governors. We WILL build something special together. Let’s Go!,” said Baker on social media after the announcement.

The West Virginia University Board of Governors voted unanimously in September for a resolution in support of WVU Athletics, calling for the development of a financial plan that positions the department in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission.

The resolution directs athletics leadership to be in regular collaboration with the BOG, and to develop and present a financial operational plan that strengthens the state’s flagship institution. Today’s announcement is the first step by the University in meeting the BOG’s mandate and could not have been reached without the significant support from President Benson and the Board of Governors.

Find more coverage of WVU Athletics at WV Sports Now.