By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Ozark softball enjoyed a third consecutive 20-win campaign in 2023.
The Tigers posted a 23-12 record, falling to Kickapoo in the district quarterfinals.
While he’ll need to replace four graduated seniors heading into the fall campaign, head coach Jimmy Nimmo has reason to be optimistic.
“Going into the 2023-2024 season we have high expectations due to our varsity experience, team chemistry and senior leadership,” Nimmo said. “I believe we surprised a few people last season about how competitive we were, and I feel like we have a chance to do some great things again this season.”
Those expectations are anchored by a pair of all-state selections who return to lead the Tiger attack this season in Natalie Morgan and Audrey Carlton.
Morgan, a senior catcher, hit .481 last season with 5 home runs and 25 runs batted in.
“Natalie had another great season for us last fall,” Nimmo said. “She’ll be one of our most vocal leaders this fall, and I know she will lead by example. She is an extremely hard worker and has a passion for this game. That’s why she continues to get better each and every season. Natalie continues to be one of the best in the area at what she does.”
Carlton, a senior outfielder, hit .436 as a junior with 18 home runs and 62 runs batted in.
“Audrey did exactly what I thought she would last season and more,” Nimmo said. “Audrey was able to break our school in-season record for home runs and RBI. She also has the record for the most career RBI with 116. She will work tremendously hard for her teammates and will do everything she can for them to be successful.”
The pair will be joined by returning classmates Kelsie Batey, Kendall McCoy, Addi Lewis, Lyla Wood, Kayden Miller and Harlow Hawkins.
Batey, an all-region, all-district and all-conference honoree, hit .395 last season with 27 runs batted in.
“Kelsie played a key role in the infield last season,” Nimmo said. “She will be our shortstop again this season. Kelsie is a natural middle infielder that can play about anywhere on the field. With her varsity experience I believe that this will be her finest year.”
McCoy, an all-district pitcher and infielder, returns as Ozark’s ace after hitting .371 with 16 runs batted in last season. In the circle, McCoy posted a 22-9 record with a 2.925 ERA.
“Kendall will return as our No. 1 on the rubber,” Nimmo said. “Kendall has worked hard in the off-season, and I predict it will show on the field. She will continue to bring a competitive spirit on the rubber with her craftiness and at the plate with her speed and ability to put the ball in play. The girl can run, and she will be a tough out each time she steps in the box.”
Lewis, an outfielder and pitcher, hit .326 as a junior with 12 runs batted in. In the circle, she recorded a 1-3 record with a 3.254 ERA.
“Addi will again play a big role in the lineup this season,” Nimmo said. “Addi will also see an increase in innings on the rubber. Addi is such a great example on and off the field. There are very few girls that work as hard as she does. She is one that could easily surprise several people.”
Wood (.210 BA, 9 RBI) and Miller (.218 BA, 8 RBI) are primed for increased roles in the outfield and infield, respectively.
“Lyla was able to make a very positive impact at the varsity level last year,” Nimmo said. “I feel that our outfield will be strong as last year with her out there. Kayden also was able to get some quality varsity time last season. This year she will play a key role each and every inning.”
Hawkins (.200 BA) will also look to make an impact in the lineup this season.
“Harlow didn’t see as much varsity time last season as I hoped,” Nimmo said. “However, Harlow will have her chance to step in behind the plate and at first base this season, for sure.”
In addition to its strong returning senior class, Ozark could feature some varsity newcomers in prominent roles this season.
“We have seen some good growth this summer leading into our fall season,” Nimmo said. “From grades 9-11 we will see some healthy competition fighting for their right to play at the varsity level. Junior Izzy Bryant will lead the way with the potential of being our starting second baseman.”
In the circle, Ozark will look to a pair of experienced arms to anchor a talented pitching staff.
“What we do have coming into this fall that others may not is varsity experience,” Nimmo said. “McCoy and Lewis will keep us in each and every game. Our defense will be ready to back these two pitchers and will fight with all their might to walk away with a win each and every night.”
Ozark opens its season Sep. 3 at Republic.
