By Derek Shore
Head Coach: Lori Videmschek
2015-16 Record: 26-3 – Won Class 1, District 10 title, but lost to Mount Vernon in Sectionals
Top Players: Sami House (SS), Rion Boyd (CF), Hallie Henderson (P), Casey Ellison (C), Zoe Brown (2B), Mikki Schad (OF), Devyn Callahan (SS/3B), and Kylie Woods (OF)
Often programs have to rebuild or retool after playoff runs come to an abrupt end and senior classes graduates.
The Purdy Lady Eagles are a rare exception.
The Ozark 7 Conference Champions, who claimed their second straight district title and finished with an overall record of 26-3 (8-0 conference play) last year, return a strong nucleus of talent and then some for this upcoming season.
“We are excited to see what this year’s group can do,” Purdy head coach Lori Videmschek said. “They have been working hard in the offseason to improve. I’m expecting my upperclassmen to step up and be leaders on the field. I believe we can be a dangerous team offensively and a very good defensive team.”
However, the Lady Eagles do lose a lot of senior leadership, graduating all-state third baseman Morgan Schilly, all-district honoree and number one hurler Breanna Keeler as well as first baseman Andrea Humphrey and catcher Ashton Young.
Through all the turnover, Purdy will return the following players: seniors Rion Boyd and Sami House and sophomores Hallie Henderson, Casey Ellison, Zoe Brown, and Mikki Schad.
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Anchoring the lineup, Boyd, who was the Ozark 7 Player of the Year, batted a whopping .524 with a team-best four long balls and 49 runs drive in. She will further her softball career at Missouri Southern after this spring.
“(She’s our) center fielder who had an exceptional 2016 year,” Videmschek said of her captain in the outfield. “Has great range and an explosive bat. I look for her to continue to get better each and every day.”
After switching positions from the outfield to shortstop last year, House answered the bell with all-state, all-district, and all-conference appearances as a junior while hitting .500 with a homer and 32 RBI. She will also play some third and pitch.
As an all-state sophomore, Henderson excelled both at the plate and as a pitcher, posting a .448 average with three homers and 35 RBIs while going 11-2 with a 1.28 ERA and 89 strikeouts through 82 innings pitched. Videmschek looks for her to prove she can shut down any team.
Ellison, an all-conference and all-district junior, had a breakout year behind the plate last year with a .455 average and 27 RBI. Brown also earned those honors, working as the leadoff man after swiping a team-high 34 stolen bases. Purdy expects big things from both of them.
As far as newcomers, Cassville transfer Devyn Callahan will make her debut as a Lady Eagle with the expectation to play either shortstop or third.
“Devyn will help us out tremendously,” Videmschek added. “Her athletic ability, speed, and arm strength will help us.”
Purdy’s head coach also envisions freshman outfielder Kylie Woods jumping right into varsity action after a great summer with more waiting in the wings to take starting spots.
The Lady Eagles opens the season at Exeter on Tues., Mar. 21.
“We can play with anyone,” Videmschek said. “I believe the intangibles come into play, ‘discipline, dedication, work ethic, and competitiveness.’ They have to be all in. They need to believe in the process and commit themselves to Purdy Lady Eagle softball.
“It should be a fun season. Hopefully, we can make a run to the state tournament this year.”
