Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Erin Lee and Haley Wilkerson Announced as Softball’s 2026 Team Captains
01/29/2026 | 12:15:00 | Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Erin Lee and Haley Wilkerson of the Southern Illinois University softball team have been named team captains ahead of the 2026 season, as announced by head coach Jen Sewell on Thursday.
"Today is not just an announcement about naming captains—it's a recognition of two of our athletes who turn teams into families and teammates into winners," Sewell said. "These two weren't chosen because they are the loudest; they were chosen because they embody everything it means to be a member of Saluki Softball. Leadership isn't about stats—it's about who stands among the team and takes a team with them. Erin and Haley are the anchors that allow us to go through the 2026 season together."
Both Lee and Wilkerson have been at Southern Illinois since their freshman year in 2023. The duo has experienced two Missouri Valley Conference tournament championships and two MVC regular season championships during their time as Salukis.
Lee, a senior second baseman from Edinburgh, Ind., has started 122 of a possible 126 games for Southern Illinois. In 2025, the veteran started all 53 games and finished the year with 36 hits, 33 runs scored, 35 RBI, eight doubles, and four home runs.
"Erin is an example of a leader who doesn't seek the spotlight but creates it for others," Sewell said. "She's not the loudest – but she's the most impactful. This is the player that every team has to have to be successful; calm, even and consistently leading by being the example. She's the embodiment of the Saluki Softball standard. Erin represents what it means to serve the team before yourself, listen before speaking, and carry someone else before taking care of herself. We tried to practice the other day without her due to her being in class and we couldn't function. We laughed but it reminded us that Erin is our backbone."
Wilkerson made nine starts and played in 13 games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury. The Whiteland, Ind., native hit her first-career home run vs. Kansas on Feb. 23, 2025, in San Marcos, Texas.
"Haley is our comeback kid," Sewell said. "She's been through it all and come all the way back. A captain's resilience sets the standard. She's had her share of adversity and she's a great example of how to turn challenges into championships. Haley has had every reason to throw in the towel and she's a tribute to the old quote that every setback is a setup for a comeback. This game we play takes toughness and staying power and she's a reminder of the resolve it takes to compete at the top."
Lee, Wilkerson, and the Salukis will begin the 2026 campaign on Friday, Feb. 6, in Fort Myers, Fla., against Charlotte at 10 a.m., in the FGCU Kickoff Classic.
Follow the Salukis
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Softball, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball and on Instagram at @SIU_Softball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
