Courtesy of Brian Beard

Anika Ewert ‘26 opened her senior season in dominant fashion, helping lead the softball team (13–2; 1–1 NESCAC) to a winning record and earning both NESCAC and NFCA DIII Softball Player of the Week along the way. The Polar Bears played their first 11 games of the season in a one-week stretch in Florida, resulting in ten wins. The success in Florida helped boost the team’s confidence heading into the rest of the season.

“Softball is one of the most challenging sports mentally, and it is very easy to get caught up in the mistakes,” Ewert wrote in an email to the Orient. “The energy and intensity my team brought during our first games in Florida gave me the confidence to help set the tone for the start of the season.”

This early-season success has been a product of the team’s consistent production, especially from Ewert. With a 0.695 batting average and 1.000 fielding percentage, she has been central to the team’s success on both offense and defense.

“Setting the tone early has been key to our strong performances,” Ewert wrote. “We’ve found success both offensively and defensively so far, and maintaining that consistency in all aspects of our game will be crucial as the season continues.”

Ewert’s path at Bowdoin has not been without its challenges. In the opening game of her first year, she suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

“Rebuilding my strength and confidence during recovery was very difficult, and there were moments where I questioned whether I’d ever return to the player I once was,” Ewert wrote. “What once felt like a major setback has become a defining turning point in my journey, and the progress I’ve made at Bowdoin has exceeded what I thought was possible. I’ve reached a point where I no longer dwell on the injury—it’s something I’ve overcome and [that has] helped shape me into the player I am today.”

This perspective has earned Ewert many awards, including 2024 NESCAC Player of the Year and 2025 NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year. In program history, she leads in single- season hitting percentage, runs and stolen bases. When her Polar Bear career ends in May, she will finish at the top of most offensive categories, including on base percentage and total hits.

This season, the Polar Bears have remained steady despite facing early deficits, high-pressure moments and competitive high-scoring matchups.

“This team brings an unmatched level of grit and perseverance that will drive our success throughout the season,” Ewert wrote. “Even during our time in Florida, we faced games where we were down by multiple runs early on, yet we never gave up and fought our way back.”

Moving into the rest of the season and the final chapter of her collegiate career, Ewert is focused on finishing strong and leaving no regrets.

“In my final season, my goal is to stay consistent in my performance and finish my career knowing I gave it my all,” Ewert wrote. “This team is incredibly talented, and I truly believe we have what it takes to compete for the NESCAC championship as we continue to work hard, stay focused and build on the momentum we’ve already created.”