By Chris Parker
There is a lot of change coming to East Newton softball this year. The Patriots have a new head coach Johnica Hanke and a new season, as they switch from the fall to the spring.
“I think I have several girls excited to get back out there and see what the spring holds for us. I am also a new coach, so I am excited to see what all these new changes will bring for the program,” Hanke said.
Two seniors in Katie Kester and Kayla Higginbotham will be team leaders. Kester will serve as the team’s top pitcher. She threw 114 innings in the fall of 2019 with 119 strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA.
Sophomore Gracie Johnson and freshman Gracie McMahon will also pitch.
Josie Guinn (sophomore), Kenzie Massey (junior) and Makenna Braiser (junior) will all see time behind the plate at catcher.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Alexa Harris-Schmidt (junior), Kaytlyn Cook (junior), Mariah Alday (junior), Shaw Coburn (sophomore), and Faith Jones (sophomore) will all also have an opportunity to find time in the infield.
Liz Barratt (junior) along with Higginbotham, Massey, Cook and Jones all could see time in the outfield.
“I like the potential at the plate that I saw this summer and from looking at the previous season’s stats. I think we will be able to produce runs,” Hanke said. “I hope to see a committed and consistent work ethic on and off the field. Our grades need to be a priority as well as well as getting physically stronger. Our new weight room is great and our weights coach puts out a good program and it’s going to come down to buy-in to those details that I believe have great carry over and will help improve our program.”
East Newton opens the season on Mar. 20 at the Lamar Tournament.
“I expect to compete every time we step on the field,” Hanke said. “I hope that even though we are moving to the spring the athletic culture will remain.”
