By Chris Parker
Losing the 2020 spring season was especially tough for Sparta head coach Troy McPherson. Last year’s senior class was the first group he saw all the way through high school.
“Losing last season was heart wrenching for our team. Last year would have been just my second year as the head coach, but my fourth year overall with the program. That meant last year’s seniors were freshman on my first day of coaching softball. Those seniors were Maggie Brown, Kaycey Pearman, Sierra Schneider, and Alyssa Diers. I feel like I struggled and grew with those girls throughout our four years together and last year was supposed to be our reward. We finally had that missing piece in the circle that would have allowed these girls to flourish and missing that really hurt,” McPherson said. “Fortunately, those seniors left an impact on our younger girls. Through their challenges, we were able to find strength. We were able to honor those seniors during our “Be The Light” event in April. We also had a great summer season in which we played several “pick-up” games with local schools that allowed our seniors to have a few more games, including a senior night. I feel that playing these games with those for
mer seniors present helped us to set a tone for this upcoming season. We now know to not take any game on our schedule for granted because it could all be taken away in the blink of an eye. I think that this year you will see a very young and hungry Sparta Softball team that has something to prove.”
Sparta returns just two players who have worn a Sparta uniform in a varsity game.
“Our team is in a unique position this season when it comes to leadership. Only two players on our team have donned Sparta uniforms in a regular season varsity game in their careers. This means that leadership roles will have to be earned through our first practices and games,” McPherson said. “During our summer season, our team looked for leadership primarily in sophomores Natalie Wilks (pitcher) and Megan Brown (shortstop). Natalie and Megan lead with their play. They are tone setters. Despite their age, they are two of the most gifted athletes to wear a Sparta Softball uniform. Natalie will be our pitcher and she is one of the best in the area at her age. This team will go as she goes. The only thing that rivals Natalie’s ability in the circle is her ability in the batter’s box. Natalie figures to be the biggest bat in the middle of our order. Megan is athletic enough to play any position on the field better than most. For us, she will be our shortstop. Her defensive play and awareness are incredible for a player her age. Megan will likely bat in the top of the order and set the table for the rest of the lineup. Megan is also a gifted baserunner, leading the team with nine stolen bases. The instinctiveness that she shows for the game always allows her to be in position to do something special.”
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Freshmen Averi Leyland and Addi Taylor will back Wilks up at pitcher.
Madeline Brown will be behind the plate at catcher in her freshman sister.
“Madeline is the younger sister of former all-conference and all-district standout Maggie Brown. Madeline reminds me a lot of Maggie, but is very much her own, unique player,” McPherson said. “Madeline played well behind the plate this summer, but will look to develop more consistency. Madeline, like her sister, excels when she steps into the batter’s box. She figures to find herself somewhere near the middle of the order.”
Brown will anchor the infield at shortstop. Junior Baylee Williams and freshman McKenzie Wilson will battle for time at first base. Look for junior Aysha Fulton and freshmen Addi Taylor and Leyland will spend time at second base and third base.
Fulton is the team’s lone returning starter from 2019 and will also spend time in the outfield as well with Leyland. Mya Fulton (freshman), Hailey Bumgarner (sophomore), Kaytlyn Holt (senior), Abbi Crocker (freshman), Livi Loveland (freshman) and Ashlyn Roller (sophomore) will also compete for playing time in the outfield.
That depth will be a source of strength for Sparta.
“Our team’s greatest strength lies in the depth that we have at every position. Most of my years at Sparta, our team has struggled to field a full team. This year, we have multiple girls who can step in and compete at the varsity level at each position. Making tough playing time decisions is a challenge that I welcome. That level of depth breeds competition. The competitiveness that will be needed to earn a starting spot on this team will help to push these young women into the championship caliber team that we feel we can be,” McPherson said.
Sparta will be looking for players to step up and lead with an inexperienced group at the varsity level.
“With just one senior and one returning starter, this team is in dire need of experience and leadership,” McPherson said. “Luckily, this team played together all last summer, allowing for a much needed sense of familiarity. The experienced gathered in those games will be a stepping stone for where we need to be. This program is brimming with talent and potential. Turning talent and potential into success will be a long road, but one we are excited to go down.”
Sparta opens the season on Mar. 22 at home against Seymour.
“Ultimately, I have the same expectations for this team year in and year out. I fully expect this team to come out and compete to the best of their ability every time our cleats hit the field,” McPherson said. “If we are able to have that competitive drive, combined with the talent and potential that these players have, I think we will have a great shot at competing for a district title and beyond.”
