River Forest, Ill. – After a challenging 2025 season that saw them finish with an 18-22 overall record and a 9-15 mark in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC), Dominican University’s baseball team is focused on a resurgence in 2026. The Stars are aiming to return to postseason contention, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2019.
Leading the charge will be senior outfielder and captain Zach Helein, a two-time ABCA All-Region honoree, who emphasizes the importance of team unity, and leadership. Helein, recognized as arguably the best option in the region by Head Coach Steve Hardman, believes a stronger sense of community will be key to their success. “I sense now we’ve really grown into more of a community,” Helein said. “We’re more of a family where we’re comfortable with each other, where we can hang out with each other, where we’re brothers, and where we could really push each other.”
The team faces the task of replacing key contributors like Grayson Downing, Gavin Zappe, and CJ Kalekas, but Hardman is optimistic about the potential of rising stars to step into leadership roles. “When they spoke, they listened,” Hardman said of the departed players. “And those guys were really good captains and leaders in our program. They’re definitely missed. Now it’s time for the next group to step up and be leaders.”
Building a Modern Identity
Hardman praised Helein as a “quiet assassin,” highlighting his consistent performance and regional recognition. However, the team also acknowledges areas needing improvement as they prepare for the new season. Concerns center around integrating newcomers into key positions, specifically at catcher and in the middle infield, and refining the pitching staff. The team’s training schedule reflects this focus, with demanding early morning practices – sometimes running from 11 p.m. To 1 a.m. Twice a week – supplementing regular late practices.
A significant logistical challenge for the Stars is the lack of an on-campus baseball field. This necessitates off-campus training for defensive drills, often requiring late-night sessions. “We don’t have a field on campus,” Hardman explained. “So, a lot of the things that we require to do defensively, we have to go off campus to be able to do that. With these facilities, you have to go late at night, and that’s not ideal by any means.” Helein confirmed the demanding schedule requires careful balancing of academic commitments, workouts, and rest. “It’s kind of brutal,” Helein said. “These months are always a grind. Ideally, no one wants to practice from 11 to one, but at the conclude of the day, it’s been the same thing every year. As soon as we get to baseball, you pretty much forget it. So, it’s more of a blur.”
Focus on Development and Team Culture
Despite the emphasis on improving their win-loss record, Hardman stressed that the program’s primary focus extends beyond the scoreboard. He prioritizes fostering a positive team environment and creating valuable experiences for student-athletes. “While winning is important, the focus is on playing good baseball and creating relationships and experiences for student athletes rather than merely tracking wins and losses,” Hardman stated.
The Dominican University baseball team will open their 2026 season with a game against Wheaton College in Kentucky on February 28th. Their first home game is scheduled for March 21st against Milwaukee School of Engineering. Fans can follow the team’s progress throughout the season on the Dominican University Athletics website.
As the Stars prepare for the season ahead, the combination of experienced leadership from players like Zach Helein and a commitment to building a strong team culture suggests a renewed sense of optimism within the program. The team’s ability to overcome logistical challenges and develop new leaders will be crucial as they strive to return to the NACC postseason.
What are your predictions for the Dominican University baseball team this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
