SILVER CITY, N.M. – Western New Mexico Athletics and Director of Athletics, Matt Enriquez have announced a contract extension for Head Sotball Coach, Ashley Hickman. Mustang Softball made the post-season for first time since 2015.

In her fifth season leading the helm, Hickman guided the Mustangs to a historic 2026 campaign that included the program's first-ever appearance in the Lone Star Conference Softball Tournament.

Western New Mexico finished the season with a 25-26 overall record and a 21-19 mark in Lone Star Conference play, earning the No. 9 seed in the conference tournament. The 25 wins marked the most victories for the program since the 2011 season, when the Mustangs recorded 29 wins.

The Mustangs also emerged as one of the top offensive teams in NCAA Division II softball this season. WNMU ranked second nationally in total home runs with 78 and also finished second in the nation in home runs per game. The Mustangs broke the school record for home runs in a single season while consistently producing one of the most explosive offenses in the country.

Under Hickman's leadership, WNMU also earned multiple postseason individual honors, including one All-Lone Star Conference First Team selection and one All-LSC Second Team honoree.

"Ashley has done an outstanding job building this program and creating a culture centered around competitiveness, development, and student-athlete success," Enriquez said. "What this team accomplished this season is a reflection of the hard work and commitment from our student-athletes and coaching staff. We are excited about the future of Mustang Softball under Ashley's leadership."

"I'm so thankful and grateful to Dr. Maples and Matt Enriquez for my contract extension. Their leadership, belief, and support in where our program is going means so much to our program. I'm also grateful for my assistant coaches that have sacrificed and given so much to this program," said Head Coach Ashley Hickman. "We are excited to get back with this special group in the fall. We returned 18 players and have a solid incoming class. This is the best time to be part of the Mustang Softball program!" 
 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).