The Bethany College softball team's 2010 theme: Climbing to the top.

The theme could not be more fitting for ninth-year head coach Janice Esses and her squad, who was ranked number one in the 2010 KCAC coaches' pre-season poll.

In nine years, Esses has guided the Swedes towards the top of the KCAC, building a program that demands not only athletic success, but academic success as well.

The Swedes have led the NAIA softball nation in scholar-athletes for two consecutive years. To reach scholar-athlete status, students must hold at least junior status and have a GPA of 3.5 or above. In 2008, Bethany softball topped the charts with nine scholar athletes, followed by another first place appearance in 2009 with eight.

However, the Swedes' success has not been limited to the classroom. In 2009, Bethany gathered an overall record of 34-15, placing second in the KCAC at 13-3. After dropping their first three KCAC contests, the squad garnered a 15-game winning streak before entering the conference tournament. The Swedes finished second in the KCAC conference tournament after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Friends University in the championship game.

Bethany returns only four starters from the 2009 squad after losing six seniors: outfielder Emily Heronemus, pitcher Savannah Dejmal, catcher Breanna Boling, and infielders Angelisa Sexson, Sarah Logan, and Laura Christopher.

"We lost a lot of leadership and experience from last season's team," said Esses, but also added that she and her coaching staff have "brought in a very talented freshmen class to compliment our returners."

The top freshmen newcomers are as follows: third baseman Nicole Felker, Longmont, Colo.; first baseman Miranda Mickelson, Wheat Ridge, Colo.; outfielder Brittany Mosqueda, Oxnard, Calif.; outfielder Ashley Nicolich, Modesto, Cali.; catcher Brittney Lewis, Glendale, Ariz.; pitcher Allison Ruicker, Sand Spring, Okla.; and outfielder Kylee Scott, Cottonwood Falls, Kan.

"We will have a deep roster," Esses said."We have a strong outfield with the ability to cover a lot of ground.Our infield will have a few new faces, but we still expect to have a strong defense to work behind our pitchers.Offensively we have gained a lot of speed on the bases."

The newcomers are joined by several key returners, highlighted by sophomore pitcher Stephanie Tyler and senior utility player Jacquelyn Hernandez.

"Steph is a great control pitcher," said Esses. "She hits her spots and keeps batters off balance. She has a strong bat and can hit for power; she hit four home runs last year. Jackie is very knowledgeable about the game. She can bunt, slap, and hit for power; she had ten doubles last year. She is a very versatile player and can play almost anywhere."

Another top returner is senior Morgan Evans. Evans enters her second year with the Swedes after transferring from Arizona Western College, and looks to continue her impact after hitting .436 in 2009 with 37 stolen bases. Senior Emily Zimmerman will help lead the outfield and aims to stay strong after the plate after 31 RBIs and a .331 batting average last season.

"We have great leadership and work ethic within our returners," said Esses."Most of our returners gained valuable experience last season, so they know our expectations for them.The experience of our returning pitchers, Stephanie Tyler and Rebecka Hileman, will be a huge factor to the success of our defense."

After falling just short of an appearance at the national tournament last season, the Swedes can nearly taste their goal of ultimately climbing to the top of the KCAC. Esses is both pleased and hopeful with her squad's progress in their quest of being crowned conference champions in their 2010 campaign.

"The team has worked hard throughout the off season," Esses said. "They have developed a strong team chemistry, which will help carry them through the rigors of a tough non-conference schedule.Our returners understand the challenges and what it will take to reach their goal of a conference title and advance to the national tournament."

Bethany opens the 2010 season on Saturday, February 20 at 2 p.m.as they host a doubleheader against Hastings College.