EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Former University of Southern Indiana Softball pitcher Josie Newman will be taking her talents to compete for the Karlskoga Bats of the Elite Softball Series in Sweden. Newman will be a player and help with some coaching for the team.
The club is in Karlskoga, Sweden, in the southern part of the country, and a couple of hours west of Stockholm. The league runs throughout the summer, featuring doubleheaders every weekend during August.
“Being able to extend my career and play the game I love for a little longer means so much to me,” Newman said. “Getting such an amazing opportunity as this one is something I am so grateful for, and I look forward to making the most of it.”
Newman added, “What excites me most about this opportunity is that I can continue and grow the game outside of the U.S. and experience a different culture while creating lifelong friendships and memories. This sport has given me so much in my life that I am forever grateful for, so I am excited to give back to it as much as possible.”
The opportunity came about via a connection with USI Softball Head Coach Sue Kunkle and longtime softball coach Bill Gilbert. Gilbert, who has been recruiting American players to help grow the game in Sweden for some time, helped Newman connect with Karlskoga’s head coach, Daniel Lindkvist, who offered Newman the opportunity.
“We are very excited for Josie to have been given this opportunity to continue playing and give back to the game of softball,” Kunkle said. “She will be able to use her knowledge and experiences to grow the game in a different part of the world.”
The right-hander concluded her USI career this past spring among the top five in the USI Softball record books in innings pitched (690.0), complete games (80), and wins (66). Newman finished just outside the top five with 18 career shutouts. Most notably, Newman landed second in USI history with 753 career strikeouts.
Newman began her USI career as a member of USI’s 2022 NCAA II Midwest Regional Championship team, earning All-GLVC Second-Team and D2CCA All-Region Second-Team accolades as a freshman. During the Screaming Eagles’ first three years at the NCAA Division I level (2023-present), Newman went on to be named All-OVC First Team twice, including OVC Pitcher of the Year and NFCA All-Midwest Region Third Team in 2024. The former Eagles hurler was also named pitcher of the week between the GLVC and OVC seven times while in a USI uniform.
“I am really happy Josie can continue her career after USI!” Kunkle said. “We wish her the best and nothing but success for her.”
