Michigan State Softball Announces 2026 Captains, Led by Veteran Core and Newcomer Talent
There’s no substitute for experience, and Michigan State softball is leaning into that truth as it gears up for the 2026 season. Head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley has named four captains to lead the Spartans this spring-three seniors and one junior-each bringing a unique blend of leadership, production, and grit to the table.
The captain group includes seniors Britain Beshears (Novi, Mich.), Sydney Doloszycki (Saint John, Ind.), and Kirsten Caravaca (Davie, Fla.), along with junior Greer (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.). The quartet was selected by team vote, a nod to the respect they command in the clubhouse.
Beshears: Power Bat, Steady Leadership
For Britain Beshears, this marks her second straight year wearing the captain’s badge-and it’s easy to see why. She’s been a consistent power threat since arriving in East Lansing, and her numbers speak volumes. Last season, she appeared in 43 games, splitting time between first base (16 starts) and designated hitter (24 starts), and launched eight home runs-third most on the team.
As a sophomore, Beshears mashed 15 homers, the second-highest single-season mark in Spartan history. Only Lindsey Hansen’s 20 bombs in 2011 top that list.
With 24 career home runs, Beshears is already tied for sixth all-time in program history. She’s chasing some elite company-Hansen leads with 42, while Lea Forester sits second with 33.
But it’s not just about the long ball. Beshears brings a calm, veteran presence to the lineup and dugout. Her return as captain reinforces her role as both a vocal leader and someone who leads with her play.
Doloszycki: The Durable Dynamo
Sydney Doloszycki is cut from the same cloth. One of just two seniors-along with Beshears-to spend their entire collegiate careers in the Green & White, Doloszycki has been a model of consistency. She started all 44 games she played last season and has been in the starting lineup for 105 of 111 possible games over three years, despite missing time her freshman season due to injury.
Last year, she led the team in at-bats (131), doubles (7), and shared the team lead in RBIs (29). She also added nine home runs and seven sacrifice hits, ranking second on the team in both categories. Whether it’s driving in runs or executing the little things, Doloszycki does a bit of everything-and does it well.
She’s the kind of player every coach wants in the lineup and every teammate wants in the locker room: reliable, productive, and all-in.
Caravaca: A New Face with Championship Pedigree
Kirsten Caravaca may be new to East Lansing, but she’s no stranger to winning. The senior catcher transferred from North Florida after helping the Ospreys capture an ASUN title last season.
She started 59 games behind the plate and hit .345 with 12 doubles, three triples, two homers, and 34 RBIs. Her .988 fielding percentage speaks to her defensive reliability-an asset that will be key for a Spartan team looking to make noise in the Big Ten.
Caravaca also earned All-ASUN honors for her efforts, and it didn’t take long for her new teammates to recognize her leadership qualities. Being named captain in her first season at MSU is a testament to the immediate impact she’s made on and off the field.
Greer: Rising Leader in the Middle Infield
Rounding out the leadership group is junior Greer, entering her second season with the Spartans. She played 40 games last year, primarily in the middle infield, and posted a .278 batting average. Her nine extra-base hits (five doubles, four homers) and 21 RBIs add solid offensive production, but what stands out is her steady presence in the field and growing voice in the dugout.
Greer’s selection as a junior captain suggests she’s not just a rising talent, but also a player the coaching staff and teammates see as a foundational piece moving forward.
Season Opener Looms
With the 2026 season opener just days away, Michigan State is set to kick things off at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. The Spartans will play five games over the weekend, and this veteran-led leadership group will be front and center as the team looks to set the tone early.
It’s a balanced mix of returning firepower, proven leadership, and fresh energy. And if this captain crew is any indication, Michigan State isn’t just preparing for another season-they’re aiming to make it a memorable one.