By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new face will patrol the Ozark dugout this season, as Brenden Schneider takes over following former head coach Jimmy Nimmo’s retirement.
The Tigers enjoyed a successful campaign in 2024, finishing with a 25-11 record before falling to Republic in the Class 5 District 5 tournament.
Schneider’s first order of business will be finding replacements for a talented class of eight graduates.
Heading into the fall season, Ozark will look to a trio of upperclassmen for leadership in senior infielder Izzy Bryant (.350/.409/.450), senior utility Grace Shaw (.303/.306/.333) and junior infielder Ginny Gallivan (.452/.541/.774).
“Izzy brings back the most experience and we will look to her to be one of our leaders,” Schneider said. “Grace and Ginny have also had some varsity experience, and we hope they will be consistent contributors to our program.”
With a large number of graduation losses, opportunities abound for Ozark’s varsity newcomers. Schneider expects a host of players will compete for playing time this season, including Bri Schreiber, Mackenzie Skouby, Jayden Graves, Kinsey Wheat, Hannah Loofbourrow, Kaitlyn Brayden, Carsyn Wood, Avery Tennison, Paisley Turner and Lola Kensinger.
“Many of the girls that will take the field for us this season have limited or no varsity experience,” Schneider said. “Our coaching staff is entirely new as well. We are looking for the players to take on any role necessary. There are so many open spots, we are not sure where everyone fits just yet.
“Losing eight seniors leaves more than a few holes to be filled in our lineup. There seems to be a good mix of speed, power, and contact within the program so we hope to find the right combination to put ourselves in position to win lots of games.”
In the circle, Schneider will look to Schreiber, Loofbourrow and Turner to anchor the staff.
“These three have been chomping at the bit to show everyone what they are capable of,” Schneider said. “Each pitcher brings something different to the circle which hopefully helps them to find a consistent role.”
While Ozark’s roster will contain a great deal of varsity inexperience heading into the season, Schneider believes the next-up mentality will help shorten the learning curve and allow for quicker development as the season progresses.
“Our biggest strength is that we have a lot of players who are hungry to show what they can do at the varsity level,” Schneider said. “Some of these players have waited three years to play and it shows every day we come out to practice. They are focused, driven, and coachable.”
Following an Aug. 22 jamboree, Ozark opens its season Aug. 29 at Jefferson City’s Helias Catholic.
