By Chris Parker
Aurora softball will have an experienced but young lineup returning from last season’s four-win campaign. Seven potential varsity starters return, but none of them are seniors with five juniors and two sophomores.
Aubrey Simpson, Abby Williams, Kyra Martinez, Makena Hall and Lily Marks will be team leaders.
Simpson, a junior, was a second-team all-conference selection on the infield last season, but will move back to her natural centerfield position this season. The three-year starter hit .341 with a .449 on-base percentage last season. She also scored 11 runs and stole 12 bases.
“Aubrey Simpson will be our spark plug at the top of our lineup,” Aurora head coach Tanner Schmidt said. “She brings so much confidence and swagger in her play. No matter the moment, she is even keeled and ready to beat the team across from her. Whether at the plate or in the field, Aubrey will set our standard of play high. She is ready to lead and has been actively learning how she best leads her teammates this summer.”
Williams returns to the circle for her third season as a starter. She was honorable mention all-conference last season as a sophomore after striking out 47 over 91.1 innings pitched. At the plate, Williams hit .275 with 10 RBI.
“Abby Williams is the ultimate team player,” Schmidt said. “No one cares for the game more than her. Abby will lead through her support and genuine care for the others on her team. Setting the tone on the mound and setting the standard of how to be a good teammate will be how she best leads her teammates this season.”
Martinez will split time between shortstop and second base defensively. She posted a .306 on-base percentage last season.
“Kyra Martinez is continuing to grow every time she steps on the field,” Schmidt said. “She will play a huge role on our team with her consistency on the infield (after moving in from the outfield towards the end of last season,) and at the plate grinding out at bats. Kyra plays with grit and 100% effort. No matter the job in front of her, she will find a way to get it done for her teammates. Kyra is still finding her voice but her passion for the game is evident.”
Makena Hall earned first-team all-conference honors at catcher last season. She will split time behind the plate with incoming freshman Kylee Phelps. When not behind the plate, Hall will be at shortstop. Last season, Hall was the team’s top hitter with a .417 batting average and 1.404 OPS. She clubbed all five of Aurora’s home runs while driving in 14 and scoring 17. On the bases, she led the team with 15 stolen bases and no caught stealing.
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“Makena Hall will continue to be the vocal presence of our team,” Schmidt said. “No matter the situation or moment in the game, Kena will communicate and challenge her teammates. In the field, she will give much needed versatility and continue to be a huge bat in our lineup.”
Lilly Marks will be in the outfield after playing in 13 games last season.
“Lilly Marks is the most fun teammate you could ever have,” Schmidt said. “Lilly has the most contagious personality. She enjoys herself, and her teammates always. She will lighten any mood or situation. She has continued to grow her game each year and stepped up in a big way last year. Lilly will help bring the fun in the game and show her teammates the most important parts of the game are not always between the lines.”
Schmidt will look for the team’s leaders to step up this season.
“Our team will need to improve on playing with maximum energy, effort, and passion for the game,” Schmidt said. “This is and has been a big weakness for our program. We do not have a lot of loud personalities or vocal leaders on our team. Our leadership is primarily by example and when times are hard, and our team faces some kind of adversity, we do not always respond. We will need our team leaders to step up and get out of their comfort zones to ensure they are promoting team growth and comfortability in playing with energy and staying invested in every game. If our team is always invested and truly cares to support one another, we will make great improvement this season.”
Sophomores Daigen Stellwagen (third base) and Kenzie Morgan (outfield) each saw extensive varsity action last season. Stellwagen hit .277 with a .358 on-base percentage playing in all 22 games. Morgan played in 14 games and hit .240.
Freshman Mallory Brogdon will be in the mix for time in the circle at pitcher with Williams.
Other infielders include Williams, Phelps, Avery Mork, and Brogdon. The lineup will depend on the battery for a given game.
In addition to Simpson, Morgan and Marks, freshman Lilah Cutbirth will compete for time in the outfield.
“Through the summer and early stages of the fall season, this team has demonstrated a want to compete,” Schmidt said. “Competition against themselves, amongst our team, and against opponents has been a very good sight to see coming into this year.”
Aurora will travel to Cassville for a jamboree on Aug. 22 before opening the regular season Aug. 25-26 at its home kickoff classic.
“I expect the 2023 Lady Houns to compete and grow throughout the entire duration of the season,” Schmidt said. “This is a young team that should have no fear in competing. A season that shows constant growth and investment in their team will be huge for the future of our program. I expect to see a better team at the end of the season that will show up and compete with anyone.”
