By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For the second year in a row, the Bolivar softball team saw big changes in the dugout.
Last fall was Bolivar’s first without all-state pitcher Katie Brooks, a Class of 2021 graduate who now pitches for the University of Kansas. The team went 10-20, ending a run of three straight district titles.
This fall marks the team’s first without veteran skipper Brian Thompson, who retired from coaching in the spring. But new coach Kenyon Breedlove has enjoyed what the Liberators have showed him so far.
“Last season only increased the desire to get better,” Breedlove said. “Very proud of the work the girls have put in this summer.”
Breedlove, a 2016 Lebanon graduate who played baseball at Southwest Baptist University, spent the 2021-22 school year as one of Stockton’s assistant baseball and football coaches. But when the Bolivar job opened, the chance to begin his head coaching career in a familiar town was too good to pass up.
“My wife and I both love Bolivar,” Breedlove said. “We both went to SBU, and often talked about how much we liked the town. Bolivar allows my wife and I to work in the same town. We can stay at our church, closer to both families and Bolivar is the perfect-sized town.”
In addition to a new coach, Bolivar’s starting lineup will also look significantly different this fall.
The Liberators lost at least eight players during the offseason, with six seniors graduating and two other key contributors from the 2021 team departing the program.
While this season’s team will be young, Breedlove is excited with the work they’ve put in so far and is looking forward to seeing the final roster take shape.
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“We were definitely pushed this summer by opponents,” Breedlove said. “A lot of playing time for a lot of girls. We have some competition at some spots and it will be fun to watch.”
One of Bolivar’s most experienced players is sophomore catcher KaCee Jenkins, who was named to the all-conference and all-district teams last year. Breedlove touted her “raw talent.”
“KaCee can be all she wants to be,” the coach added. “She hits the ball so hard. She will also do a very good job keeping the run game in check.”
Breedlove said that sophomore pitcher Tessa Cline, who was also named to those same postseason squads as a freshman, is no longer with the team. That creates an opportunity for a new freshman pitcher, Makayla Methvin. Expect her to see a lot of innings this fall — and beyond.
“Mak will also hit in the top of our lineup,” Breedlove said. “Someone our team will depend on for the long term.”
Freshman second baseman Aubrey Funk has also proved to be dependable this offseason.
“Has done an awesome job for us all summer,” Breedlove said. “Works very hard and has performed well.”
Other notable departures include postseason honorees Brookelyn Cline, Jadyn Hamilton, Mollie Klasser, Avery McClure and Shae Smith, as well as Paige Severns and Kirsten Dickerson.
Breedlove said Brookelyn Cline moved to another school. The others graduated, and Breedlove is looking to some varsity newcomers and a few returning players to fill the eight vacated spots.
“We will be very young,” Breedlove said. “I am excited to see how our team grows and changes together this season.”
Senior outfielders Lakyn Breesawitz and Riley Ross are both potential starters who could hit in the middle of the lineup. Ross, Peyton Corum and Aniston Lean will also see innings in the circle.
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Junior Percilla Gray, sophomores Halily Hale and Harper Rowell and freshman Carly Cribbs could also see their numbers called this season.
Breedlove hopes the Liberators come to be known as a team that works hard.
“I am a big believer in hard work pays off,” Breedlove added. “If you work hard at the end of the day at least you know you gave everything you had — and that is something to be proud of. I am also a big believer in family. We are a team, you have to rely on and work with other people around you.”
Bolivar will host an August 23 jamboree with Cassville, Aurora and Branson.
The Liberators will open the regular season at the 28th Annual Morrisville Tournament, which begins on August 26. Their Ozark Conference and home opener is August 30 against Central.
“This team’s biggest strength is remaining a team, staying together as a family,” Breedlove said. “They have done a great job of doing so this summer. This season, it will take the whole team to win games.”
