By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There’s a new, albeit familiar, face in charge of the Marion C. Early softball program this fall.
Former assistant coach Heather Bess has been promoted to lead a group that is coming off four straight district championships – and back-to-back trips to the Final Four.
Bess, who also played for Marion C. Early’s 1992 state championship team, replaces longtime skipper Mike McHolland, who retired from coaching after guiding the Panthers to third-place finishes in each of the past two seasons.
She’s looking forward to the opportunities that come with coaching at her alma mater.
“I love the game of softball and Morrisville has a rich tradition of great softball teams and great girls,” Bess said. “I am excited to be a part of this program in this new role. The administration, the parents, the fans and the community are very supportive, which makes this role an awesome opportunity.”
Her familiarity with the program and players should make for a seamless transition. The Panthers will return six starters from last season’s 24-12 team, and appear poised to contend for their sixth district championship in the past seven seasons.
“Marion C. Early has a rich tradition of softball and they have been known as a powerhouse in the 1A/2A softball world for quite a while,” Bess said. “We don’t plan for that to change this year. We are going to be a different team than last year, but we will be starting the year with a 0-0 record just like everyone else. We are going to work hard, make plays, score runs and have mistakes.”
Bess and assistant coach Tiffany Burrow, another former Marion C. Early standout, are looking forward to building on the program’s legacy – and developing the next generation of Panthers.
“My goal as head coach is to help our young ladies grow as a person, a student and an athlete,” Bess said. “We will focus on how the game of softball can build skills that can and will help them learn discipline, hard work, responsibility, time management, cooperation and so much more. Our team will focus on the fundamentals, learning new skills, being aggressive, giving our all, working as a team and pushing each other to be our best.”
Marion C. Early’s first order of business will be finding a way to replace its graduated senior class.
On the plus side, there were only three of them. On the down side, Maggie Painter, Taylor Blehm and Hailey Presley were all named to the all-state team – leaving a noticeable hole in the lineup.
The Panthers will rely on their returning starters to rise to the challenge.
“We are looking for each of them to step up and play an integral part,” Bess said. “All of them saw a lot of playing time last year, but some of them might be in new positions this year.”
Those starters include junior Haley Madewell and senior Addie Bess, who are both coming off all-district and all-region seasons.
Madewell will serve as the team’s primary pitcher, but will play third base when she’s not in the circle.
“She is a great pitcher,” coach Bess said. “She throws the ball well, hits her spots and she is smart. She knows the game and is going to (do) great things this year.”
Addie Bess is a third-year starter who will be playing first base this fall.
“She is a solid defender and hitter,” coach Bess said. “We are excited for her leadership, her solid defense and her bats.”
Shortstop Macie Letterman and outfielder Miya Bess round out a three-player senior class.
Coach Bess on Letterman: “Macie is our only four-year starter on the team. She is one of our senior leaders who we will rely on both offensively and defensively. She knows the game and she is willing to do what the team needs.”
Coach Bess on Miya Bess: “Miya is a three-year starter for us in the outfield. She is quick, she reads the ball very well and we are looking for her to take charge of the outfield. She is also one who can hit or bunt, depending on the situation.”
Junior Charissa White and sophomore Ireland Foster also return to the Marion C. Early lineup. Both can play the outfield, while Foster may also see time in the infield.
Coach Bess on White: “She has a solid glove and a good bat, and we are excited to see her do some big things this year.”
Coach Bess on Foster: “She works hard and is willing to play where the team needs her.”
Sophomore outfielder Lyla Vaughn, sophomore outfielder Keyra Sims and freshman catcher Kinley Reed will all be looking to secure spots in Marion C. Early’s starting lineup.
Coach Bess on Vaughn: “Lyla did not see a lot of varsity time last year, but has great potential to be a starter this year in the outfield. We are excited to see her grow this year and to see the impact she is going to have on our team.”
Coach Bess on Sims: “Kiera did not see much varsity last year as a freshman, but she is working hard, has a great attitude and brings a lot of energy to the team. We are excited to see her grow as a player and to see how she will help the team.”
Coach Bess on Reed: “Kinley is going to be a great addition to the team this year. She is athletic, works hard behind the plate and has a great bat.”
The Panthers will travel to Willard for an August 24 jamboree with the Tigers, Neosho and Glendale, then begin the regular season by hosting a tournament on August 30-31.
“We are most excited to see this team grow,” coach Bess said. “There will be new positions, new players, new coaches – and it’s a new season. This group of girls is ready to work and we are excited to see them carry on the Lady Panther tradition.”
