By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new face will patrol the Fair Grove dugout this season, as head football coach Bill Voorhis takes over the softball program.
Just one season removed from the school’s first ever final four appearance, the 2024 Eagles reached the Class 2 quarterfinal round, falling to Lone Jack.
“We finished the season 19-8 with back-to-back district championships,” Voorhis said. “Fell a little short of the goal by not making it back to the final four but overall was another great season.”
Fair Grove will be led by a talented senior duo this season in all-conference and all-district catcher Brooke Daniels and all-district shortstop Gracie Crandle.
Voorhis on Daniels: “One of the most talented female athletes to come through Fair Grove. A strong vocal leader who is a proven winner. All-state in multiple sports.”
Voorhis on Crandle: “Multiple all conference and district years. Great range in the middle with an extremely strong arm and quick release.”
The pair are joined by several all-conference and all-district honorees in sophomore first baseman Addison Voorhis, junior third baseman Shayla Haddock, sophomore pitcher Aubrie Voorhis, junior outfielder Addyson Nunley and junior utility Brenna Boatwright.
Coach Voorhis on Addison Voorhis: “Returning all-conference player as a freshman. High softball IQ with an explosive swing.”
Coach Voorhis on Haddock: “Over .500 hitter who also hits for power and almost never strikes out and as good a third base player as there is in southwest Missouri.”
Coach Voorhis on Aubrie Voorhis: “Returning all-conference as a freshman. Very consistent groundball pitcher in the circle who gives her team a chance to win every game.”
Coach Voorhis on Nunley: “All-conference player who brings great experience to the outfield and consistent pop at the plate. Is a threat to hit a home run every at bat.”
Coach Voorhis on Boatwright: “Has the ability to play almost any spot on the field and has the softball IQ to be successful at any of those spots. Extremely hardworking, coachable kid.”
In addition to Fair Grove’s returning corps, a quartet of varsity newcomers will step in and compete for playing time this season in Gretta Morris, Meadow Carter, Hali Stokes and Charli Stokes.
“We return the bulk of a team that has won back-to-back district titles and some of the girls started on that final four team from two years ago,” Coach Voorhis said. “I expect that we should be able to compete for both a conference title and another district title. We play an extremely competitive schedule and with adding a few new teams to the conference this year, we are excited to get to see some new competition as well.”
In the circle, Fair Grove will look to Aubrie Voorhis as the staff anchor. Freshman Charli Stokes will also see innings during the season.
“With a year of experience under her belt, we expect Aubrie to continue to compete and give a chance to win,” Coach Voorhis said. “She is aggressive in the strike zone and locates well with good movement, forcing a lot of ground balls in the process. Charil throws hard with a quick release. These two girls will give us options as the year progresses.”
Coach Voorhis believes his team’s experience and depth will pay dividends and complement a strong pitching staff this season.
“As a team we have a lot of experience at every position,” Coach Voorhis said. “We are a very strong defensive team that will pride ourselves on not giving teams extra outs. Offensively, will have the ability to be aggressive in all areas of offense. We have some girls with good speed, we are a capable small-ball team but we have more than enough pop in the lineup to hit the long ball.”
For Fair Grove to make another deep postseason run, Coach Voorhis believes a few key factors could come into play.
“Aubrie is still just a sophomore but if she can improve as much this year as she did last year and Charil is able to contribute good innings, we will be tough to beat,” Coach Voorhis said. “Also, Gretta Morris and her ability to slap on offense. Having a girl who can slap can cause a lot of problems for opposing defenses and, with her speed, teams are going to have to handle the ball well to get her out.”
Following a March 18 jamboree at Ash Grove with Stockton and the host school, Fair Grove opens its season March 22 in the Strafford Invitational Tournament.
