By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lady Houns are coming off an 8-win season but return many members of their battle-tested squad to the field this fall.
“We did not have a single graduating player from last season’s team,” said Aurora head coach Tanner Schmidt. The team will return ten varsity letter winners: four seniors, three juniors, and three sophomores. Eight of these were starters last season.
Senior Abby Williams will lead the pitching staff. “Abby really improved as her junior season went along and pitched some great games for us,” said Coach Schmidt. Williams received second team all-district pitcher and honorable mention pitcher awards in the Big 8 conference last season. At the plate, Abby helps out in the middle of the lineup and will drive in runs for the offense. “Abby has continued to grow her game this off-season, and I am excited to see her compete for us,” said Schmidt.
Aubrey Simpson, senior, will lead the defense from centerfield. “She will continue to be a weapon for our offense in the leadoff spot,” said Schmidt. In her 2023 campaign, Simpson earned second team all-region, first team all-district, and first team all-conference honors for her work in the outfield. “Aubrey is a fantastic defensive centerfielder with great range and a strong arm,” said Schmidt. “On offense, she is the defense’s biggest headache, able to reach base in several ways and steal extras once on base,” he added, noting her .513 average, .584 on-base percentage, and 24 stolen bases. “Aubrey has been a great player for us all of her high school career and I look for her senior season to be her best.”
Senior Lilly Marks “will bring utility in the field, power at the plate, and leadership to our squad,” per her coach. “Lilly is everyone’s favorite teammate and always brings energy and enthusiasm. She could fill in behind the plate or the corner outfield this year on defense. I hope to see her take a step in her offense for us this season.”
Daigen Stellwagen “will look to put it all together this year,” said Schmidt. “Daigen has a ton of power and potential at the plate. Having a couple of up-and-down seasons with big flashes, I look for her to find consistency in her junior season.” Schmidt said Daigen will help power the offense and will look to compete for an everyday spot at third base.
Sophomore Mallory Brogdon “is going to be a big part of our defensive success this season, whether in the circle, infield, or outfield,” said Coach Schmidt. “In the circle, I look for Mallory to take that next step in her pitching and to find her formula for success at the varsity level. Mallory is at her best when the stakes are highest, and we look to challenge her more this season to try and get the most out of her play. On offense, we want to use Mallory’s speed to pressure opposing defenses and produce runs this season.”
“Avery Mork is ready to break out in her sophomore season,” said Coach Schmidt. “Avery provides a great competitive mindset to the team. No moment is too big or competition too tough. A powerful bat and great glove will look to prove her as one of the best first basemen in the area.”
Junior Ashlyn Campbell is looking to move into an everyday starting role after splitting time at second base last season. “Improving her offensive consistency will be Ashlyn’s next step in improvement for our team,” said Schmidt.
Kenzie Morgan, junior, will compete for a corner outfield spot. “Providing great ability in her outfield play, I look for Kenzie to find the consistency in her play day in and out,” said Coach Schmidt. “Kenzie playing to her potential in the outfield will make our team much better; on offense, Kenzie will compete for a bigger role in the lineup this season.”
Senior McKinzee Malott “has worked so hard the last two years within our program,” said Schmidt. “Going into her senior season, she is looking to compete for a spot in the corner outfield and will continue to be a good runner off the bench for our team.”
“Sophomore Case Parnell has had the best offseason of anyone within our program,” said Coach Schmidt. “Going into just her second year of playing softball, she has shown tremendous growth and a newfound passion for the game. Case will compete for a spot behind the plate this season and has shown a great work ethic and focus on her craft. Bringing speed, power, and overall athleticism, Case will continue to improve and to learn the game this season.”
Coach Schmidt’s team goals and expectations center on improvement. “I want our athletes to build an atmosphere that encourages and thrives on competition,” he said. “Pushing each other to get better each day and taking pride in their work as we go through the long season would be how I imagine a successful season for our program. There are only a few positions that have been ‘filled’ as we head into the season. I hope that the competition at each position will bring out the best in our players and bring our team together beyond the game for a 2024 campaign to remember.”
Aurora will jamboree in Branson along with Bolivar and Cassville. The Lady Houns will host McDonald County in their first home game of the season September 12.
