By Chris Parker
Gainesville softball has eight starters and a strong senior group of seniors returning from last season’s 14-win team.
“My seniors are my team leaders,” Gainesville head coach Joe Walrath said. “Mattie Cooley, Lilly Winrod, Hadley Warden and Calleigh Goodman have played for me since they were very young players. They play with a lot of heart and determination and expect their teammates to do the same. They love the game; they love to win and will leave it all on the field to make it happen.”
On the field, Gainesville will be looking for new pitchers to step up after the graduation of Katlyn Morgan.
Walrath will look for his defense to help out the pitching staff.
“I feel one of our strengths this year will be our defense,” Walrath said. “If we can make the plays behind our pitchers, we should be able to play with any team. Another strength is our bench, Twyla Parkison and Rylee Kowerduck are two of the hardest hitters on the team and I would not hesitate to put them on the field if any injury happens.”
Lakely Anderson (junior) and Macie Phillips (sophomore) are poised to take over the pitching duties.
Sophomore Amie Winrod returns at catcher with freshman Avery Gaulding backing her up.
“Behind the plate I will rely on my sophomore catcher Amie Winrod,” Walrath said. “Amie took that position last year as a freshman and had to learn quickly, now she has a year under her belt and should be ready to go.”
Warden (3B), Sadie Walker (freshman SS), Emma Donley (sophomore 2B) and Lilly Winrod (1B) round out the infield lineup.
The outfield will feature Kelsie Hogan (junior CF), Cooley (RF) and Cami Strain (sophomore RF). Sophomore Annabelle Freeman is capable of playing anywhere on the field.
Gainesville opens the season on Mar. 19 at home against Cabool.
“I want our identity to be ‘heart’. Like I mentioned earlier, my seniors play with a lot of heart and leave it all on the field. I know, win or lose, all my girls will give me everything they have out there,” Walrath said. “My expectation for the year is to see this team improve a little each game. I want them to play hard, play together, have fun, and make a run at a district championship.”
