By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Hailey Hudlow has taken over as Marionville’s head coach earlier than planned, after Mark Estep’s 27-year career at Marionville ended unceremoniously due to COVID-19 cancelling the spring sports season a year ago.
The plan was for Estep, who was a principal at the high school and coached the Lady Comets for five seasons, to put off retirement and coach again this spring, but that fell through.
Hudlow, in her third year at Marionville, was then named his successor.
“It’s kind of an unexpected transfer, after (Estep) didn’t get to finish his career,” said Hudlow, who is in her third year at Marionville.
Hudlow hopes her experience playing at Springdale Har-Ber (Arkansas) and LaBette (Kansas) serves her well.
“There is going to be a learning curve,” Hudlow said. “I’m soaking in everything I remember my coaches have taught me. I’ve seen a lot of coaching styles from successful coaches. I have a lot of experience in the game and knowledge. But it’s obviously different playing and coaching a sport. I’m excited to take on that challenge.
“It’s an exciting experience and I’m looking forward to learning more and more,” she added. “I’ll try to take it step by step and make changes along the way that will benefit the girls and the program.”
Hudlow coached Marionville’s freshmen when they were in junior high. That group includes pitcher Bailey Hosbach and catcher Katlin Carr. They will be batterymates again this spring.
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“In seventh grade, they were a solid duo,” Hudlow said. “They both also play travel ball in the summer and fall, so they work together well. The relationship they have is a good bond for a pitcher and catcher to have.”
Hunter Forester is also an option for Marionville in the center circle. Her varsity experience two years ago included 18 strikeouts and four walks in 11 innings over five games.
“I look for both of them to have time (pitching),” Hudlow said of Hosbach and Forester. “They have different pitching styles. As far as their speed, they’re pretty comparable. Bailey might have a little more movement on her ball, while Hunter can throw it in there quick at times. Hunter has been looking good. From the last time I saw her throw to now, she definitely has picked up more speed. Bailey has picked up quite a bit of speed since she was a seventh-grader.”
Bre Schapeler caught two years ago before a shoulder surgery hindered her efforts behind the plate. She is set to move to second base, but could play elsewhere if her shoulder proves strong.
“Her surgery kind of put a damper on her throwing at times,” Hudlow said. “But she’s had a couple years of healing now and she’s coming off a successful basketball season. (At-bat) Bre has got great form in her swing.”
Sophomore Jaely Gray is a middle infielder expected to provide a steady glove and a spark in the lineup.
“She’s like a vacuum and gives it her all when she goes after a ball,” Hudlow said. “(At-bat) she puts the ball in play. Once she gets on base, she is quick and reads plays well to take advantage of her speed.”
Lanie Williams offers Marionville versatility as a catcher, infielder and outfielder.
Alyssa White’s role could also change from game to game.
“Alyssa is very athletic,” Hudlow said. “I look for her to play infield and outfield. We’ll keep our options open to see what’s best for the team. She could be in the infield one game and the outfield the next game.”
Hudlow likes Olivia Hawkins’ potential at first base.
“She works super hard and absorbs everything we tell her,” Hudlow said. “She can hit for power.”
Outfielder Madison Essary could also hit for extra bases.
“Madison has got a good swing,” Hudlow said “I look for her to be one of my kiddos who can hit with power.”
Hudlow is optimistic the Lady Comets will battle each game.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the girls can do,” she said. “My gut feeling is we will come out and play good competitive softball.”
