By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Miller’s softball program joined the Lady Cardinals’ tradition-rich volleyball and basketball programs as big winners a year ago and new coach Kurtlin Hulette thinks that can become a trend.
Miller was 20-7 and captured the Class 1 District 7 championship only a year removed from a 6-17 season that included the Class 1 District 5 title.
“We have a lot of the same athletes that compete in volleyball and in basketball,” Hulette said. “I believe their winning will carry over to this season. These girls know how to compete at a high level and thrive in competitive environments, like the late rounds of districts, sectionals and state. Miller teams have a true desire and drive for success.
“One thing I can say about the athletes we have here at Miller is that they have a competitive nature,” he added. “I’m confident our Lady Cardinals will always work to find a way to win. Our girls are coachable and willing to put in the work.”
Hulette is in his fourth year at Miller. He was the Lady Cardinals’ assistant coach a year and previously was Miller’s baseball coach.
“I feel confident in talking over the program,” he said. “I have coached under and with some phenomenal coaches.The knowledge that has been passed down to me by those individuals will ensure our program continues to grow and be successful.”
Hulette likes his team’s combination of veterans and newcomers.
“I feel like we have a real shot at contending for a third straight (district) championship,” he said. “We have a lot of great talent from last year that will be returning. Also, we have some great freshmen that are talented and eager to contribute to the program.”
Miller’s returnees include a pair of pitchers in sophomore Loghann Levian and junior Kendall Neely.
“Loghann started the majority of our games last year. She has a hard fastball that she has good control over,” Hulette said. “Kendall is consistent in getting the ball over the plate and getting ground balls.”
Outside of the center circle, Miller doesn’t return many starters from last season’s team, which scored an average of 11.2 runs a game.
The Lady Cardinals will be debuting nearly an entirely new infield.
“We need to fill first base, second base, third base and short(stop),” Hulette said. “Some good prospects to fill those positions are Neely, Levian, Kaylee Thom, Hailey Martin, Chloe Hendricks, Rachael Nunez and Camden Stockton. I expect them to fill in where needed and quickly adapt to their roles on the infield.”
Nunez was an All-Southwest Conference First-Team selection at catcher last season.
The lone returning starting outfielder is sophomore Ashlynn Helton.
“Ashlynn did an exceptional job last year for us as a freshman,” Hulette said. “She was an important piece to our success and will continue to be this season.”
Miller has four candidates for the other two outfield spots.
“We have several athletes that could play a vital role for us in the (outfield), the first one being Alexis Bailey,” Hulette said. “She is a talented athlete that could have had a starting role last year, if we didn’t have our three starting seniors. The other players that have a good shot at starting for us are Kaylee Thom, Hailey Martin and Tori Hollister.”
Hollister and Hendricks are part of a freshman class Hulette is high on.
“We have several freshmen that will greatly help out right away,” he said. “Hollister is a great pitcher that has several different dominant pitches. Also, she could see some outfield time if we need her to step up. Hendricks could play several key positions for us. She could see some infield time as well as catching time. Tiffany Crisamore, Madelyn Scott (and junior) Addison Forbis have a hard-working nature and will play a crucial depth piece for this year and next.”
Miller will host Seymour and Greenfield in jamboree action March 11.
The Lady Cardinals’ tournament slate includes trips to Pleasant Hope, Ash Grove and Galena. They’ll return to Galena as defending tourney champs.
