Softball battle for the diamond: contenders in the women’s D1 pass the test

The 2025 championship offered a dense, rhythmic and full of contrasts season, where each team affirmed its qualities and ambitions. Between teams in full ascent, solidly structured formations and groups still in search of balance, the year drew a rich and moving competitive landscape. Offensive dynamics, pitching quality and defensive rigor shaped very different trajectories, revealing as many strengths as weaknesses. The counters are now reset and the 6 teams competing in this D1 are ready to fight again. Let’s take a look at the forces in play.

Saint-Raphaël Comanches

What can we say about the season of the Comanches, champions of France and Europe? Saint-Raphaël dominated the 2025 season, concluding the regular season with an impressive record of 19 wins – 1 loss and a win percentage of .950. Driven by a powerful offense and an elite defense, the Comanches confirmed their status as the benchmark of French softball. Their mastery continued in the playoffs, where they won their 15th national title, consolidating an already historic dynasty. A season of near perfection, with no real rival capable of making them falter.

The Comanches start 2026 with an uncomplicated philosophy: play their best softball, without pressure, and go as far as their game will allow. The coaching staff relies on the quality of the game and consistency rather than numerical objectives, convinced that performance will naturally follow.

The off-season was quiet, a sign of a well-built team. Only one notable move: the arrival of Marjorie Brunel, from Clapiers-Jacou, who brings experience and versatility. This stability allows Saint-Raphaël to focus on building up their game and fluidity.

Pharaonnes d’Évry-Courcouronnes

Évry-Courcouronnes had a very convincing 2025 season, finishing 2nd in the regular season with a record of 14 wins-6 losses. The Pharaonnes showed remarkable consistency, alternating between offensive power and defensive rigor. Their path led them to the French Women’s Series, where they faced Saint-Raphaël. Despite a strong resistance, they were unable to overturn the Var team. A full season, which confirms their place among the top teams in the championship.

The Pharaonnes are approaching 2026 with a rejuvenated group that is determined to stay at the top. The off-season saw several departures, including that of Emma Patry, a former international player and a major figure in the club. To compensate, Évry-Courcouronnes focused on a dense winter preparation and the arrival of Lila D’Hauteville, a versatile international young player from Clapiers-Jacou, as well as the integration of promising profiles.
The coaching staff is also changing: Sophat Chum takes the helm, supported by Brice Deumeni, while Yvan Couvidat and Cheick Fanny remain linked to the project through the academy. The objective is clear: to aim for at least one of the two national titles, while cultivating unfailing solidarity. For Évry-Courcouronnes, the strength of the group will be the key to a new ambitious season.
The picture:

Panthères de Pessac

The Panthères had a solid 2025 season, finishing in 3rd place with a record of 11 wins-9 losses. They are a team on the rise, capable of competing with the best in short series. Their consistency has allowed them to establish themselves firmly in the top of the table, while laying the foundations for a rise in power. Pessac has confirmed that it is a team to be reckoned with in the fight for the playoffs, with a disciplined collective that is constantly evolving.

For this season, the trajectory is clear: to continue to progress until they are in the running for the finals. After a solid 2025 season, the Panthères aim once again to finish on the podium and hope to reach their first final, either in the championship or the Challenge de France.

L’intersaison a été marquée par un grand changement avec le départ de l’entraîneur-chef, Christophe Duchêne. Il a été remplacé par un ancien joueur, Sébastien Dupouey, qui aura la lourde tâche de mener les Grizzlys vers de nouveaux sommets. Le club a également recruté de nouveaux joueurs, dont la jeune gardienne de but, Léa Gros, et l’ailière gauche, Elise Gros.

Avec un effectif renouvelé et un nouvel entraîneur, Grenoble a de grandes ambitions pour la saison à venir. L’objectif est de se qualifier pour les playoffs et de montrer un visage plus régulier.

Montpellier Handball

Montpellier a terminé la saison régulière en tête du classement, avec un bilan de 16 victoires –2 défaites. L’équipe a été dominatrice tout au long de la saison, avec notamment une série de 14 victoires consécutives.

En playoffs, Montpellier a été moins convaincante, éliminée en demi-finales par le Paris 92. Mais l’équipe a montré un niveau de jeu très élevé, et a confirmé son statut de favorite pour le titre.

L’intersaison a été marquée par le départ de l’entraîneur-chef, Patrice Canayer, remplacé par Olivier Krumbholz. Le club a également recruté de nouveaux joueurs, dont le gardien de but, Yoann Peneau, et l’ailière gauche, Ana Gros.

Avec un effectif renforcé et un nouvel entraî

The winter preparation was undoubtedly an opportunity for the club to correct the flaws that cost them several close matches in 2025. The team is advancing with humility but determination, aware that the margin is thin between an average season and a place in the playoffs.

Colombe Wildcats

With a record of 4 wins –16 losses, Colombes had a complicated season, marked by a lack of consistency and difficulties in holding on against teams at the top of the table. Despite some notable victories, the Wildcats did not manage to find the rhythm necessary to move away from the bottom of the standings. A transitional season, with lessons to be learned to bounce back.

The Wildcats are starting the 2026 season with a clear ambition: to reach the Final Four. After a frustrating 2025 season, Colombes has focused on offense throughout winter preparation. Bat work, offensive strategies, aggressiveness on the bases: the club wants to become much more impactful than last season. The philosophy remains the same: to build a strong, supportive team with real depth on the bench. Rigor and determination will be the watchwords of this new campaign. The offseason was particularly busy, marked by numerous recruits from different backgrounds, including several former BCF players. These arrivals reinforce the team in all positions, bringing experience, versatility, and talent. The staff is also evolving: Laurie and Agnès are now taking the reins of coaching, surrounded by a renewed technical team.

The first signs are encouraging. In Belgium, during a preparation tournament played this weekend, the Wildcats had a perfect record, without conceding a single defeat. This performance validates the work done this winter and confirms that Colombes is ready to play a major role in the season that is opening.

Le Cavigal de Nice

The Cavigal de Nice is back in Division 1 with the energy and freshness of a group that has nothing to lose and everything to prove. Carried by a positive dynamic in D2, the Nice women arrive in the elite with a young, hard-working and determined collective to establish themselves permanently at the highest level. Their promotion is not a coincidence: they have built their accession on a solid defense, remarkable collective discipline and an ability to raise their level in key moments.

The goal for 2026 is clear: to learn quickly, compete with the best and seize every opportunity to create a surprise. The Cavigal knows that the bar is high, but the enthusiasm of the group, the intensity of the training and the internal cohesion suggest a team capable of annoying any opponent.

The Women’s Division 1 is about to open a new chapter, rich in ambitions, reconstructions and challenges. Between the leaders who want to confirm, the outsiders who dream of shaking up the hierarchy and the promoted ones ready to seize their chance, the 2026 championship promises to be exciting.

And you, which club do you favor?

Sébastien DONDÉ.

Thank you to the clubs, players, managers and presidents for taking the time to answer our questions.