By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
While Nixa softball enjoyed another winning season in 2024, it didn’t quite live up to head coach Matt Walker’s expectations.
The Eagles posted an 18-17 record, falling to Kickapoo in the Class 5 District 5 tournament.
“2024 was not exactly what we were hoping for, finishing with 18 wins and 17 losses,” Walker said. “We struggled a little early last year and got better as the season went on winning five of our last seven games. So, we hope to improve on last year.”
Leading the charge will be a talented group of upperclassmen, including senior all-district and all-region center fielder Grace West (.362 AVG, 35 R, 31 SB), junior all-district and all-region shortstop Jordan Phillips (.367 AVG, 24 RBI, 28 R), junior first baseman Miah Johnson (.455 AVG, 15 RBI), senior left fielder Mylee Harper (.262 AVG, 15 RBI, 15 SB), senior first baseman Jayleen Hunter (.244 AVG) and junior catcher Trey Gable.
Walker also expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time, including senior Shelby Hicks, senior Mika Livingston, junior Emma Draile, sophomore Ella Phillips, senior Jensen McCoy, junior Abby Sloan and junior Bradey Harper.
“This year we will have a group of hard-working girls who want to get better every day and are very supportive and encouraging with each other,” Walker said. “As the season goes on, we will find the right fit of girls who give us the best shot of winning. We will have a lot of speed not only on the bases but on defense as well. Our goal will be to keep pressure on the opposing teams and fight until the last out.”
In the circle, Nixa will turn to Hicks as its primary pitcher and look to develop a pair of younger arms as the season progresses.
“Our pitching staff is going to be limited this season so hopefully we can stay healthy in the circle,” Walker said. “Shelby Hicks will be our primary pitcher this season. She has had some experience at the varsity level, and she has had lots of success at the JV level so we hope that carries over to varsity. After Shelby, we have a couple freshmen who will see some time in the circle during tournaments to get them ready for the future. Tenley Piwko and Peyiton Gable.”
While Nixa will employ a relatively young and inexperienced pitching staff, Walker also has plans in the event any are forced to miss time during the season.
“Depth to our pitching staff could be a factor for us, hopefully the injury bug doesn’t hit,” Walker said. “We do have several girls who have pitched in the past that might need to step up and throw some innings for us this season.”
At the plate, the Eagles’ lineup will feature plenty of speed, returning nearly 80 stolen bases from last season.
“Our lineup will have several girls who have seen varsity time,” Walker said. “The past couple years we have had several girls who could hit with power in the lineup. We may not have the power this year, but I feel we will have a solid lineup with gap power with the ability to string several hits together in a row and lots of speed, allowing us to put pressure on the defense.”
Following an Aug. 23 home jamboree, Nixa opens its regular season Aug. 30 at home against Perry, Okla.
