Collecting a 23-5 record, two tournament championships and a Class 1 – District 9 title will traditionally earn you enormous respect and a target on your back – as is the case with the Marionville Lady Comets.
After a banner season in 2015, and a trip to the fall state championships in 2013, Marionville is eager to try for repeat success this spring, but will have to do so in the midst of some rather significant changes – starting with the head coaching spot.
Marionville High School principal Mark Estep takes over the reigns of the program this year after former coach Ted Young moved back to manning the school's track team. Prior to his move, Young spent two seasons as the head softball coach.
Things will not be easy for the first-year coach as he'll have to figure out how to fill some missing pieces that were crucial to last year's success, including 1st team all-staters Eden Henry, Josie Young and Tarron Finn, who all graduated last spring.
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However, Estep is confident that his returning core will smoothly gel with the new faces that enter into varsity action for the first time.
“This year, we are counting on the returning starters to step up and lead the large group of newcomers joining the team,” said Estep.
So far, Estep has been very pleased with what he has seen from his first-year players in practice, many of whom haven't played competitively for a considerable amount of time.
“What excites me the most is our opportunity for growth,” Estep said. “We have several new faces that haven't played organized softball for four to five years. I have been amazed at how fast they have adapted and learned our program.”
Of the players that return from last season, perhaps none have a bigger leadership role to play than senior offensive threat Abbie Hopkins.
In addition to guiding the younger, less experienced players on the squad, Hopkins will be asked to switch from first base to shortstop and direct the infield.
Juniors Bailey Finn (third base) and Emily Garoutte (catchers) will also be focal points and take on sizable responsibility at the plate and on defense.
Likely to fill the hole left by Henry in the circle will be freshman Gracie Fiddyment, who has virtually been working from scratch to learn the ins and outs of the position.
“Fiddyment has been working some over the summer, but is still in the beginning stages of learning the rubber,” Estep said. “We are also working with two others to see some pitching time, but it will be a work in progress for the year.”
As the season draws closer, Marionville believes that although having a season like last year's might not necessarily be realistic, the goal of hoisting a district championship trophy in early May is anything but out of reach.
“The girls have been working hard and learning quick as the first weeks of practice have concluded,” Estep added. “I fully expect with our athleticism and talent that we will be a handful at the end of the season and competing for another district championship.”
Marionville begins the 2016 campaign on Mar. 19 when it hosts the Marionville Invitational.
