By Chris Parker
Mansfield softball returns five starters from last season’s six-win team.
Seniors Kyra Thompson and Maddie Hanger will be team leaders according to first-year head coach head coach Hannah Campbell.
Campbell on Thompson: “Kyra is the type of kid you want on your team. She is a leader on and off the field, works hard, and she is respected by her teammates. She brings power to the plate and will be an asset on the mound.”
Campbell on Hanger: “Maddie will be looked upon as a vocal leader especially behind the plate. She is one of the most vocal catchers I have had the opportunity to coach and will be looked upon for her experience and leadership both behind and at the plate.”
The rest of the roster will be fairly young this season.
“We will be young with only two seniors, but we have a core group of returners that have varsity experience, so I believe that the experience they have will help our younger girls get to where they need to be,” Campbell said. “Our goal over the offseason was to become 1% better every single day and I believe that goal stands true as the season begins. We want to be playing our best ball at the end of the season and be.”
Joining the duo in the infield will be Addsion Jones (sophomore) at shortstop and Laikyn Ball (junior) at second base.
Campbell on Jones: “Addi is an all-around athlete. She will bring power and discipline to the plate and her athleticism and work ethic will make her one of the top infielders in the conference.”
Campbell on Ball: “Laikyn is the returning second baseman from a year ago and is a smooth defensive player. She has improved her swing over the offseason which will greatly benefit her this spring.”
Kiersten Garrison (junior) will anchor the outfield.
Campbell on Garrison: “Kiersten Garrison will be the leader in the outfield this season. She is a leader on and off the field so she will be looked upon to be a leader for the younger ones in the outfield and be an asset at the plate.”
Miley Sullivan (freshman), Brooklyn Dugger (sophomore), Haley Jones (sophomore), Madison Bennett (sophomore), Chloe Napier (sophomore), Cayley Young (sophomore) and Charleigh Clark (Sophomore) will be competing for varsity playing time as well.
Mansfield opens the season on Mar. 15 in the Summit Conference Tournament.
“Our goal over the offseason was to become 1% better every single day and I believe that goal stands true as the season begins,” Campbell said. “We want to be playing our best ball at the end of the year and to be playing for a district championship. I believe that this group has the drive and work ethic to meet that goal.”
