Seneca softball has a new head coach in Cassidy Barclay this season. Barclay is in her first season as a varsity head coach, but has been a JV head coach previously.
“Seneca is a great town with a great community and lots of support for sports, making it a pretty great place to coach,” Barclay said. “I have loved working with the administration here so far and am so excited for the opportunity to coach at Seneca High School.”
She inherits a program coming off an eight-win campaign.
“We have had some tough schedules the past few seasons, playing larger schools than us,” Barclay said. “However, we hope to still have a better record year. To do that, we need to put all the pieces together. We have set our goals high, and we are working toward a district championship this year. Our focus is on work ethic, doing the little things well, and developing a good team chemistry. In addition to that, I hope that we can play solid defense and work to score every inning. If we can do these things, I think our chances of success will be high.”
The senior-freshman duo of Abby Jamros and Kynlee Sommer will handle the pitching duties.
“Abby Jamros and Kynlee Sommer will be a strong pitching duo for us and will both be strong bats in our lineup,” Barclay said. “Both pitchers can move the ball well and bring in lots of high level playing experience.”
Railee Davis (senior) will handle the catching duties.
Kordy Hancock (junior) has experience at multiple positions and will likely land at shortstop. Jolie King (sophomore) and Ava Berry (freshman) will find time on the infield along with whichever of Jamros and Sommer aren’t pitching.
The outfield is an open competition.
“With a large group of incoming freshmen and even some new upperclassmen, our outfield positions are still being determined,” Barclay said.
Jamros and Davis along with classmate Olivia Wade are providing strong senior leadership. Hancock and Sommer have also displayed good leadership qualities as well.
Davis and Hancock have shown big improvements in the off-season.
“Railee Davis put in a lot of work this summer to get better behind the plate for us,” Barclay said. “Additionally, Kordy Hancock spent a lot of time playing travel ball this summer, equipping her to bat in our leadoff spot this year.”
Barclay likes the team chemistry she has seen and will continue to focus on softball IQ.
“Our team culture and dugout environment is very positive and encouraging, which will be hugely beneficial. Additionally, we have a pitching staff with lots of experience,” Barclay said. “Our softball IQ has already seen some improvement this year, but is an area of continued focus. Improving our knowledge of the game will be important as we progress this season so that we are ready for any and all in-game situations.”
Seneca opens the regular season Aug. 29-30 at the Aurora Tournament.
“I expect to stay in the fight no matter who we play. Our pitchers will play a key role in that,” Barclay said. “Our team goal is to win a district title. We have our work set out for us, but these girls show up and work hard every day. I am confident we can surprise some people this season and make a run in the playoffs.”
