The Warriors are the top-ranked team in the PSAC across multiple preseason polls.

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The East Stroudsburg Warriors are primed for another long baseball season. 

The team made program history in 2025, going 41-16 and picking up their first win at the Division II NCAA Baseball Championships in Carey, NC. 

The Warriors went 1-2 at the College World Series, but they’ll have plenty of eyes on them entering the year ranked 12th in the country by the American Baseball Coaches Association Poll (ABCA) and ranked third in D2 Baseball’s preseason poll.

“Last year it kind of, you know, it kind of came together and the opportunity to repeat is going to be very difficult. There’s only been two teams that’s repeated since the early 90’s,” said head coach, John Kochmansky. 

The Warriors won the program’s first game at the championships in a walk-off win over Northwood. After losing their first game of the tournament, they fell to the elimination bracket. They lost again to Central Missouri, ending their historic season. 

“Going that far, you would think it could add pressure, but I feel like it takes pressure off of us,” said Connor Reilly, a senior catcher on the team. “We know we can go out and perform at a high level and win a bunch of games, and I think that’s what we’re gonna do,” said Reilly. 

The Warriors return a strong pitching staff, led by senior Ryan Dewees. Transfer student, Ethan Woods, posted a 2.19 ERA in 49 IP last season. They’ll likely be the Warriors number one and two. 

LHP Cade Davis is a new addition, coming over from the Crosscutters in the MLB Draft League. He was a name stay in George Washington University’s bullpen but will get a chance to start at East Stroudsburg. 

“We’re hoping that he’s one of those pieces that we were missing when we were down in Carey,” said Kochmansky. 

Making it back to Carey is the ultimate goal but the team must reach their other goals first. That includes winning their side of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The conference has three other teams ranked nationally in the preseason polls.  

The Warriors open the season at Felician, a team that also made it to Carey last season. That series gets underway on February 14th.Â