By Chris Parker
Sharon Monter takes over as head coach of the Cabool softball program this fall. She has been with the program on and off since its inception spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach.
She inherits a program coming off a 4-14 season with four starters returning. Three returning all-conference players will be the team leaders in her first season as head coach.
That trio includes Athena Waller (senior pitcher), Bailey Aaron (junior centerfield/shortstop) and Makinley Aaron (sophomore shortstop/catcher/pitcher).
Waller was named honorable mention all-conference last season.
“Athena brings her experience and hard work ethic to the team,” Monter said. “She is a team player as well as leader on and off the field. Her hard work is seen on the mound as well as the classroom. She is valedictorian of her class. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and power through situations makes her hard to beat.”
Bailey Aaron earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore.
“Bailey is an outstanding outfielder,” Monter said. “Bailey is quick and knows where to go with the ball at all times. She is a leader in the outfield giving direction to her younger teammates. She has a lot of softball experience, and she can play about anywhere and knows what her role should be at each position. She is a big personality with big talent to match. The girls are drawn to her because she likes to work hard but have fun as well.”
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Makinley Aaron had an immediate impact as a freshman earning second-team all-conference honors.
“Makinley can play anywhere you want her to in the infield,” Monter said. “She excelled as our shortstop last year. She has a wicked arm and a great bat. She makes a great addition to complete the trio of leaders. She is someone to watch. She is only going to get better as her career continues.”
Waller will handle most of the pitching, but Makinley Aaron and freshman Cambree Woodard could also see time in the circle.
Catcher will be a bit by committee after graduating a four-year starting catcher off last season’s team.
Nataleigh Corneluis will move from third base to second base this season.
“Nataleigh has made the most improvements,” Monter said. “She was a first-time player last year and was thrown into a starting varsity spot. She had to learn quick. I feel she is better suited at second and have seen her confidence grow and therefore here game has stepped up.”
Cabool opens the season Mar. 17-18 with its home tournament.
“Our strengths may not be measured in wins but in work and dedication. I have seen a group of girls that want to learn and have the desire to get better as a team as well as individually,” Monter said. “I think this team’s success will be measured in personal victories. We have a lot of inexperience. Sometimes the little victories add up to big ones.”
The full expected varsity roster according to Monter includes: Athena Waller (senior), Bailey Aaron (junior), Autumn Lay (junior), Kaitlyn Bolerjack (junior), Makinley Aaron (sophomore), Nataleigh Corneluis (sophomore), Lily Thiele (freshman), Emma Taylor (freshman), Cambree Woodard (freshman), Emma Moore (freshman), Sonya Kamianpiska (freshman), Izzy Stewart (freshman) and Emily Mayberry (freshman)
