By Dana Harding (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
2023 proved to be a magical year for Fair Grove softball.
The Eagles posted a 20-5 record and capped the season with a Class 2 third place finish.
“Our season was nothing short of breathtaking,” head coach Tara Whetzell said. “Our program battled its way into the final four for the first time in school history. We did not end up on top, but we didn’t hang our heads on a third place finish either. Our season was successful because of the dedication, expectations, team culture, and outstanding leadership.”
Heading into her eighth season at the helm, Whetzell will look to field replacements for a talented class of graduates including all-state pitcher Jaelah McDannald (Labette Community College).
While McDannald’s loss presents a challenge, Fair Grove is fortunate to have another all-state honoree still on the roster in junior catcher Brooke Daniels.
“Brooke Daniels led us in hitting with a batting average of .441,” Whetzell said. “Her leadership behind the plate and speed on the base paths helped lead us to success.”
Classmate Faith Klindworth also returns for the Eagles.
“Faith Klindworth will be the dominant leader in the outfield for us this season,” Whetzell said. “She has a knack for running down a ball and she makes diving look easy. She’s fun to watch and you’ll never catch her without a smile on her face.”
Senior infielder Minna Morris and junior infielder Gracie Chastain round out Fair Grove’s returning core.
A trio of sophomores cracked the varsity lineup last season.
Shayla Haddock, Addyson Nunley and Brenna Boatwright will all look to expand their roles and contribute to Fair Grove’s success this season.
Whetzell also expects a pair of freshmen newcomers to make an immediate impact in the circle this season.
“Freshmen coming in that will have a quick impact will be twin sisters, Addison and Aubrie Voorhis,” Whetzell said. “They will be filling the role in the circle for us this season along with some pop offensively. There are still spots in our lineup that need to be filled. We don’t quite know what that looks like yet, but there will be chances to compete come season.”
Whetzell believes her program’s culture will once again be its overall strength and expects her trio of seniors to help develop and establish the team identity early in the season.
“I told the three seniors – Faith Klindworth, Minna Morris and Reagan Johnson – that going into this offseason, it would look different than last season and that’s OK. I told them to embrace it, make it theirs and that it was their time to make an impact on our program.”
Following a March 12 jamboree at Stockton, Fair Grove opens its season March 16 with the Strafford Invitational Tournament.
