By Dana Harding (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
2023 was a banner year for Sparta softball.
The Trojans posted a 26-5 record and captured the program’s first district title before falling to eventual Class 2 state champion Mt. Vernon in the sectional round.
Sparta welcomes in a new head coach this season, with Jamie Holmes taking over the helm from departed coach Troy McPherson.
“The 2023 season brought Sparta its first softball district championship,” Holmes said. “The girls really learned how to work as a team and depend on each other during the regular season, which helped push us through the district tournament.”
Holmes’ first order of business will be developing replacements for a pair of graduated all-state honorees in pitcher Natalie Wilks (Three Rivers Community College) and shortstop Natalie Brown.
Despite the graduation losses, Holmes remains optimistic with her returning depth and experience.
“This is a great group of girls who I think can make a great impact on the team this season after losing two vital players in the circle and on the infield,” Holmes said.”
A quartet of senior all-conference and all-district selections return to lead the Trojans this season in Madeline Brown, Kenzie Wilson, Mya Fulton and Averi Leyland.
Brown, a catcher, hit .480 with 27 RBI last season.
“Madeline Brown will be our wall behind the plate and has a great arm to keep runners at bay,” Holmes said. “Brown works hard on and off the field. We look forward to her having another great year at the plate.”
Wilson, an infielder, hit .405 in 2023 with 37 RBI.
“Kenzie Wilson has been a major contributor at the plate,” Holmes said. “We are looking for her to continue to produce runs this year and step up into leadership by being more vocal on the field.”
Fulton will help patrol the Sparta outfield and provide senior leadership.
“Mya Fulton will need to continue to be the leader she became last year,” Holmes said. “We are looking for her to continue to use her speed and knowledge of base running and in the outfield.”
Leyland, an infielder, hit .307 last season for the Trojans.
“Averi Leyland is going to have to fill a very demanding job this year,” Holmes said. “She is one of the most athletic girls on the field and has a good sense of the game. Leyland stepped into a leadership role last season, and we expect her to do so this year.”
Junior outfielder Layne Forgey also received all-conference and all district honors last season.
“Layne Forgey is another great all-around athlete,” Holmes said. “She can play any position on the field. Forgey will be key in filling the position(s) this season.”
Senior infielder Addi Taylor also returns for Sparta.
“Addi Taylor is always willing to work hard and works well with the underclassmen showing them the ropes,” Holmes said. “She is selfless on and off the field. Taylor is a natural leader, and we look forward to her becoming a more vocal leader this year.”
Junior outfielder Avery Gardner rounds out Sparta’s returning core.
“Avery Gardner knows the game well,” Holmes said. “She brings a positive outlook to games and practices that everyone else feeds off of.”
In the circle, Sparta will turn to a varsity newcomer in junior Addison Humble.
“Addie Humble is going to be our No. 1 in the circle this year,” Holmes said. “She has worked hard in years past to be the relief pitcher and has shown great growth. When she trusts her stuff, she will produce ground balls for our defense to have her back. We are still looking for our No. 2. The first couple weeks of practice we will be working to find Humble some help to compete in the circle.”
At the plate, Holmes expects her lineup to feature versatility and athleticism.
“Our lineup has a little bit of everything,” Holmes said. “We will have some speed and power up and down the lineup, and we’re looking to be tough all through the lineup.”
Heading into the spring campaign with five veteran seniors, Holmes believes her team’s overall chemistry and leadership will allow the Trojans to quickly develop into a consistent problem for opposing teams.
“These girls have all grown up playing every sport together,” Holmes said. “Many of our players have played volleyball, basketball and softball together since they were in elementary school. They all have a good relationship with each other, which allows them to play unselfish softball. They are also a really competitive group.”
Sparta opens its season March 15 in the Summit Conference Tournament.
