February 4, 2026
Puerto Vallarta, MX — A new chapter of Long Beach State Softball will be on display in Mexico, as The Beach opens an early chapter of the Kendall Fearn era on an international stage at the 2026 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge.
After 19 seasons under legendary head coach Kim Sowder, Long Beach State enters 2026 with a fresh voice in the dugout, a new-look roster, and a familiar edge that has long defined the program. For Fearn, the transition is less about reinvention and more about evolution.
“I think what Kim and her staff has done, I have so much respect for,” Fearn said. “Long Beach State has always had very talented, tough, gritty teams with good pitching and clutch hitting.”
That identity remains the foundation as the Beach heads into opening weekend in Puerto Vallarta, where culture, competition, and chemistry will collide.
A Fresh Start — for Everyone
Roster turnover has created opportunity across the lineup, with the graduation of an impactful senior class opening the door for new faces and expanded roles. The result is a team that blends experienced returners with a wave of hungry newcomers eager to define themselves.
“It’s not only a fresh start for me, but it’s a fresh start for everybody,” Fearn said. “The turnover of the senior class… has opened up a lot of playing time. So we have some experienced returners, but also just a fresh new look.”
That fresh look will still carry a familiar bite. Fearn’s vision includes an aggressive offensive style paired with high energy and relentless pressure.
“I think it’s the same style of tough, gritty and lots of energy,” she said. “Aggressive… hoping for 100 stolen bases and 75 bombs, ideally.”
In the circle, Long Beach State will lean into analytics and depth, pitching by committee and maximizing matchups throughout the weekend.
“We’ll have matchups where you’ll see two to three pitchers in a game from us,” Fearn explained. “But also what I’m bringing is a very concentrated effort in recruiting, culture building, and player development.”
Global Stage, Shared Experience
For a team ushering in a new era, the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge offers more than just games — it offers connection.
“It’s exciting any time, you’re leaving the country and experiencing different cultures,” Fearn said. “To walk across the street from the hotel to the field and experience that on game day is going to be really memorable for our players.”
Beyond the competition, the Beach will immerse itself in the local community, using the event as a chance to build bonds on and off the field.
“It’s a great reason to make memories and kick off the season,” Fearn said. “Bond together, play against good competition, get in the community and do a clinic — that’s what makes this tournament an experience to go after.”
Tested Early, Built for March
Long Beach State will be challenged immediately, facing postseason-caliber programs such as Southern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky — matchups Fearn intentionally sought out.
“These are postseason teams… competing for conference championships every year,” she said. “Playing against top teams in the non-conference is exactly where we want to put ourselves.”
As the Beach prepares to step onto the field in Puerto Vallarta, the setting may be new, but the expectations are not. Toughness, competitiveness, and connection remain the constants — now guided by a new voice and launched on a global stage.
“It just goes to show how much sport can bring teams together,” Fearn said, “different cultures together and countries together.”