By Chris Parker
Southwest softball will feature just three players with varsity experience heading into the 2021 season.
“I know the girls are excited and ready to get back on the field. They are ready to see what we can do as a team and are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed,” Southwest head coach Shawn Johnson said.
The Lady Trojans will look to get back above .500 this year after finishing 9-11 in the 2019 season. Johnson is hoping to lean on her upperclassmen to lead Southwest to that goal.
“I believe we have a strong group of upperclassmen who will all be counted on as leaders for our young team. These girls are seen as good solid students and are natural leaders who lead by example,” Johnson said.
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Southwest will rely on a sophomore battery featuring pitcher Alli Fosse and catcher Anna Church. The infield will feature senior Khloe Holder and juniors Amy Reeves and Olivia Ayer. Junior Natalie Johnson will anchor the outfield in center. Reeves and Johnson both started as freshmen with Reeves hitting .327 across 16 starts, and Johnson hitting .409 across 15 starts.
“I believe our strengths will be the will to want to get better each and every day,” Johnson said. “I believe our team needs to focus on all aspects of the game and hopefully carry that into playing our best at the end of the season.”
Southwest will open the season Mar. 19-20 at the Sarcoxie Tournament. Johnson hopes to see a lot of growth between that tournament and Apr. 29 when the Lady Trojans close out the regular season.
“I want to see the team grow through the season, to have a passion for the game and to improve each and every day,” Johnson said.
