Trailblazers Open Season at Midwest Clash with Focus on Growth, Evaluation

Godfrey, Ill.  — Lewis and Clark Community College softball head coach Cody Zippmann isn't treating the Trailblazers' season-opening trip to Mineral Area College as a simple early test. Instead, he's viewing it as the first major step in a long developmental process.

Lewis and Clark opens its 2026 campaign on the road at the Midwest Clash, a multi-team event hosted by Mineral Area, giving the Trailblazers a valuable opportunity to evaluate their roster weeks before the heart of their schedule begins.

"Developmental, developmental, developmental," Zippmann said. "It's always our approach outside our 24 Region games. As a coaching staff it is up to us to get as many looks as possible with the 20 student athletes on the roster."

With a full roster of 20 players, Zippmann said the early non-region stretch allows the staff to "stack innings" and at-bats while building game experience across the lineup.

"If we do our job by the time we hit the Region we should be well educated on who competes at a high level in all situations," Zippmann said. "Beginning on the road, in particular at the 'Midwest Clash,' allows us the opportunity to start player assessment and development five weeks in advance of Region play. Pray for good weather."

Beyond evaluating the roster, Zippmann believes the biggest offseason improvement has been the team's overall approach and confidence.

"The student athletes have direction and structure," he said. "They are not afraid to make a mistake. They are not afraid to find a role within our roster."

Zippmann said that growth should be noticeable immediately, particularly in the team's energy and execution on the field.

"I think as a result you'll see more joy, confidence, and a higher level of fundamental play to our team," he said.

The Trailblazers have also embraced a mindset rooted in accountability and honesty, which Zippmann believes can make them a difficult opponent early in the season.

"We make no excuses if we don't compete at a high level," he said. "That makes us a dangerous team when your opponent doesn't match our mindset."

While many coaches highlight specific players entering opening weekend, Zippmann said he is eager to see the entire roster perform after a year of commitment to rebuilding the program.

"Is it sitting on the fence when I answer… everyone?" Zippmann said. "I'm just excited to see them all perform."

He credited the group for raising standards beyond the field, including fundraising, promoting the program, and supporting other Lewis and Clark athletes.

"They fundraise like a team that wants more for the program. They promote like a team that wants more for the program," he said. "They hold themselves to a higher standard and when you believe that often transfers to how you compete on the field."

Zippmann said that chemistry has been strengthened through team activities such as holiday gatherings and outings, but he emphasized that true unity is built through the daily grind of being a student-athlete.

"True team chemistry is built within the grind," he said. "You hold every player accountable to a level of standards and present them with opportunities that allow them to make decisions on how much they show-up for each other."

He added that one of the most important signs of chemistry is when players begin holding one another accountable.

"Eventually the team begins to communicate openly on what is acceptable or not acceptable," Zippmann said. "As a coach that's what you're looking for… an open dialogue amongst young adults that show-up for something bigger than their individual selves."

That mindset, Zippmann said, will be critical as Lewis and Clark begins the season in an unfamiliar and competitive environment.

"That is massive when competing on the road in a hostile environment," he said. "We continue to develop in this area as a team."

Written by: Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator