The Lady Wildcats softball team headed into the new season with confidence and targets on their backs as defending state champions. After an amazing run last year, returning players stepped back onto the field with high expectations and a determination to prove themselves once again. The Lady Cats have started off strong, posting a 9-3 record last week.
Senior leaders also stepped into bigger roles both on and off the field. Senior Adsion Sherrill explained how her position on the team has grown.
“My leadership role has shifted a little bit because last season I was still an underclassman leader, but this year I get to lead my team fully and be a role model towards my teammates,” Sherrill said.
After missing an entire season due to injury, returning to the softball field brought a mix of gratitude, growth, and determination for senior Tanna Howe. The experience has changed her outlook both on and off the field.
“Coming back from my injury last year has changed my perspective in so many ways. My faith has been strengthened greatly, I have a different mindset on the game, and I really just appreciate being able to be on the field again,” Howe said.
Howe also noted how the injury has shaped her into a different kind of player.
“I am by far a different player than I was before my injury but in a mental way. I truly just cherish all of the little moments and appreciate being able to do what I love again,” Howe stated.
Other returning seniors include first basemen Hailey Ferguson and Chloie Jordan. Jordan expressed how she has gone into her last season with a different mindset.
“I’m really just taking it all in, and making lots of memories of my last season,” Jordan said.
Ferguson, who also helped lead the Lady Cats to a state title, has shown great versatility by filling empty positions. As for how she played left outfield moving to first base.
“I was definitely nervous going to first base at first, but was willing to do whatever it takes for the team,” Ferguson said.
Junior centerfielder Maylee Slavens also returned to the field, but this season, in a leadership role.
“This season is definitely a different feeling, as I’m really starting to take on the role as a leader more, since I’m now an upperclassman,” Slavens said.
Other juniors returning include second baseman Sara Miller and third baseman Mady Reimund.
“Our team is still very hungry for more, and doing everything we can to strengthen our bond and skills everyday,” Reimund said.
When asked if the team feels more pressure coming into the new season sophomore Braylee Cunningham admitted there is some weight.
“A little bit because we are defending state champions and we have shoes to fill,” Cunningham said.
Sophomore Emmersyn Miskell also returns as the catcher for the second season in a row.
Although the Lady Cats lost two key players last year, a small but mighty freshman class has stepped in. Freshman pitcher Kenyan Beck has taken the mound for the Lady Cats this season.
“I felt some pressure for sure coming into this season knowing that we had a state title to defend. But as we’ve worked more and more, my teammates quickly helped me settle into my role,” Beck said.
Freshmen Savannah Chapman and Hannah Cobb have also seen varsity time already. “I hope to accomplish winning the state title again,” Chapman said.
Overall, the Lady Cats still look to build off of the momentum of last year’s success. Looking back on last year’s success, Sherrill also reflected on what winning the state title meant to her personally and how it continues to motivate the team.
“Personally winning the state title last season was an unforgettable experience. It felt like years of hard work had finally paid off but we aren’t finished yet,” she said.
