STANFORD, Calif. – Reigning Ivy League Pitcher of the Year Madeline Lawson is joining the Cardinal after a standout freshman campaign at Columbia. The transfer pitcher was lights out in the circle for the Lions last season, earning NFCA First Team All-Northeast Region honors.
“We are thrilled to add Mads to the program. Mads had a fantastic freshman campaign at Columbia, and we believe her skill set will translate well to the ACC,” said Paul A. Violich Director of Softball Jessica Allister. “It became very clear in our first interactions with Mads that she was someone we wanted to add to our roster. Not only is Mads a very talented ball player, but also a great fit for our locker room.”
Lawson led the way for the Lions, posting a 2.44 ERA in 169.1 innings of work. The Rancho Murieta, Calif. product started 28 of Columbia’s 45 games, going the distance in 19 of them. Lawson finished with a 15-9 record, earning five shutouts and earning one save.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining The Farm and coming back home to California. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity Coach Allister has given me and can’t wait to grow under this amazing coaching staff,” said Lawson. “The combination of elite academics and athletics is a dream come true. I’m thrilled to be joining an amazing group of girls and continue to make program history.”
Lawson became just the second player in Ivy League history to earn Pitcher and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, after being tabbed Player and Rookie of the Week three times each. She finished atop the conference in ERA, complete games, shutouts and wins, as well as innings pitched. For good measure, the first-year hurler had the lowest opposing batting average (.231) and most strikeouts (157) in the conference.
Lawson joins a Cardinal bullpen that returns all five arms from the 2026 season, and welcomes incoming freshmen pitchers Lydia Berent and Emmaline Humphreys.