By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Joplin softball program heads into the fall with a new voice, but a familiar mindset.
First-year head coach Jaren Hulette brings 12 years of experience to the dugout, with a resume that includes a five-year run as Carthage’s assistant coach and earlier stops at Liberal, Miller and Carl Junction.
Hulette was drawn to the job in part because of the program’s proud history — and the opportunity to help shape its next chapter.
“Joplin has a strong, competitive foundation and my vision is to continue building on that by focusing on development and a culture of team-first softball,” Hulette said. “I want our program to be one that competes hard, plays the game the right way and represents this community and school district in the right ways.”
Hulette inherits a team that finished 16-18 last fall and is in the midst of a nine-season district title drought. But with a strong core coming back, Hulette is optimistic about what the team will be able to accomplish in his first season.
“I’m most excited about building a family-type atmosphere within our program and really getting to know our girls,” Hulette said. “This is a fun, hard-working group that understands what it takes to be successful.”
Seniors Ava Wolf and Lily Glover are both coming off all-conference seasons.
Wolf, a pitcher/infielder, went 12-9 in the circle and hit .443 with 22 runs batted in.
“Ava will be a key contributor for us this fall, getting a significant number of innings in the circle,” Hulette said. “When she’s not pitching, we’ll look to her to provide stability and leadership on the infield. Offensively, she’ll be a big part of what we do, and we expect her to hit in the top portion of our lineup.”
Glover, an infielder, drove in 19 runs and scored 18.
“Lily brings confidence and consistency to our infield,” Hulette said. “We expect her to see significant time at either shortstop or third base, where she does an excellent job handling the ball and leading the defense.”
Hulette said fellow seniors Carlie Howard, LillieBelle Stafford, Gracie Williamson and Caelyn Bobski have been particularly impressive during offseason practices.
Hulette on Howard: “Carlie is an anchor in our outfield and is expected to take on a key role in center field this season. She covers ground well, communicates at a high level and brings consistency and confidence to our defense.”
Hulette on Stafford: “LillieBelle is a great leader and teammate who sets the tone with her attitude and effort. She brings consistency to the infield and is someone we can count on both defensively and offensively.”
Hulette on Williamson: “Gracie is coming off a strong junior season at the plate and we expect her to continue that offensive impact this fall. She brings a confident approach in the batter’s box.”
Hulette on Bobski: “Caelyn is a dependable senior leader who will see time in the circle for us this fall. She brings valuable experience to the circle, having pitched in several key games for our program over the years. She is an extremely hard worker and commands the zone very well.”
Hulette added that Ella Watts could give the Eagles another option in the circle.
There will also be several new players who will look to lock down starting jobs vacated by the five-player Class of 2025.
“We’ve had a great summer as a team,” Hulette said. “This group shows up with drive, energy and a real desire to improve every day. They’ve worked hard and pushed each other to get better. It’s a fun, competitive group and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together this season.”
As the starting lineup takes shape, Hulette is focused on more than the scoreboard.
The ultimate goal is a program the community can be proud of.
“Success comes down to this: Did we grow as a team, and did we make significant improvements throughout the course of a season to move closer to reaching our team goals,” Hulette said. “If we can look back and say we got better every week, stayed connected as a group and played for each other, then we were successful.”
The Eagles will get their first live reps of the fall on August 26 at the Carthage jamboree, where they will face off with the host Tigers, Carl Junction and Nevada. The Hulette era officially begins August 29 at the Aurora Kickoff Classic.
“We’re going to play with competitive fire, respect the game and carry ourselves with class,” Hulette said. “Our players will show great sportsmanship and we’ll take pride in playing the game the right way. I want our identity to be about toughness, effort and sportsmanship.”
