By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
In 2023, Neosho softball enjoyed one of its best seasons in school history.
The Central Ozark Conference champion Wildcats finished with a 26-7 record, falling to Raymore-Peculiar in the district final.
Head coach Catie Cummins has high expectations heading into her eighth season at the helm and for good reason.
Neosho returns its entire starting lineup.
Senior pitcher Carleigh Kinnaird, junior pitcher Olivia Emery, junior catcher Autumn Kinnaird, sophomore utility Kynden Smith, junior utility Addy Hart, sophomore first baseman Journey Armall, senior shortstop Beclynn Garrett, senior outfielder Avyn Blair and junior outfielder Ashlyn Stevens all return for the Wildcats.
Cummins also expects a trio of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time in junior outfielder Sadie Depriest, junior designated player/second baseman Abbie Clark and freshman utility Sadee Leach.
“Our expectations are the same as last year–win the COC and district championship,” Cummins said. “We have the team to be able to do both, and that will be the goal each day we step on the field for practice or a game.”
With a pair of experienced pitchers returning in Carleigh Kinnaird and Olivia Emery, Cummins believes her team will have an advantage heading into the season.
“Pitching and hitting high level pitching,” Cummins said. “We have the high level pitching to make a run in the postseason, now we have to be able to hit it!!”
With a loaded roster and returning conference champions, Cummins doesn’t expect to sneak up on opposing teams this season.
“I think this year we will have a target on our back that we have not had before,” Cummins said. “We are going to get everyone’s best game and we will need to understand that, but not be intimidated by that.”
Neosho also has the benefit of entering the fall campaign with few question marks, according to Cummins, who expects to hit the ground running in pursuit of an elusive district title.
“Last year we had to figure out who was going to be the catcher due to graduation and injury,” Cummins said. “We have that figured out early this year so we will start right where we left off.”
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Willard, Neosho opens its season Aug. 31 at Marshfield.
