By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new, yet familiar face will patrol the dugout this season for Forsyth softball.
Panther alum Emily Shipman kicks off her first season at the helm looking to build off a 17-16 campaign in 2024 capped by a district championship.
“As a rookie coach, this is my first year as the head coach at Forsyth,” Shipman said. “I will be leaning on my experience in the sport to guide us this year. I was a three-time, all-state athlete at Forsyth, as well as honors at the D1 and D2 levels. My goal for this year is to grow the sport and show these girls what working hard looks and feels like.”
Shipman’s first order of business will be finding replacements for a talented class of graduates.
While replacing graduated talent is never easy, Forsyth does return seven starters to the lineup.
Shipman on pitchers: “Lauren Turner, a junior, will see many innings on the mound with possible moments at the hot corner. She is an all-around athlete who may see multiple positions this year. Riley Holmberg may see some innings as well with a returning arm. Riley shows up with a great attitude and never says no to a challenge.”
Shipman on catchers: “Haiden Holle and Libby Hunter (sophomores) will be strong leaders behind the plate. The best thing about these two catchers is that they’re a force to be reconnected with behind the plate but can hold their own at almost every other position on the field, as well as swing a strong stick.”
Shipman on first baseman: “Lili Roberts, a junior, will hold down first base for us with amazing field presence and a glove to back it up. Lili is a silent leader who leads by example.”
Shipman on second basemen: “Taylor Braden will help defend the right side of the field and flash the glove with natural athleticism. Other athletes I could see getting some innings in the position would be Makenna Perez and Abby Gladden, they’ve worked hard in the off-season.”
Shipman on third basemen: “Georgia Barnett (sophomore) and Maci Moore (freshman). Georgia has a great arm, which will help us in such a challenging position. As well Maci, a freshman with lots of prior softball experience, can help us solidify a strong infield. Maci may also see time on the mound or in the middle of the infield as well.”
Shipman on shortstop: “Libby Hunter (sophomore) moves with confidence and works hard to back it up. Having a younger player with such a field presence is beneficial to the program. She understands her role and knows what it takes.”
Shipman on left field: “Another position that Georgia (Barnett) may see herself this year would be left field – she has the arm and tracking ability for it. Haylee Bilyeu may see some innings at this position as well.”
Shipman on center field: “Zoe White (senior) brings so much skill and athleticism to the team. She has that get-down-to-business attitude, and it bleeds into the younger players. She tracks the ball naturally and has good situational awareness. She will do a great job directing the outfield.”
Shipman on right field: “Anna Cardwell (senior) has seen minutes at both shortstop and right field. With the speed in some of our arms, I need someone who is confident on the side of the field. Anna enjoys the grind of being an athlete, and it shows in her progression as an athlete.”
Shipman also expects freshman Maci Moore to compete for varsity playing time this season.
“Maci Moore is an athlete who looks comfortable anywhere on the field,” Shipman said. “This will be beneficial to the team.”
Turner, Roberts, White and Holle each received all-conference and all-district honors in 2024.
“This team’s biggest strength will be growing on what last year’s team solidified: consistency,” Shipman said. “I love the grit of this team and their will to get one percent better each time we’re together. The majority of my athletes work hard on their personal time. That will contribute to our success this season.”
In the circle, Forsyth will feature a host of options and pitching styles. The Panthers will look to multi-sport athlete Turner to anchor the staff.
“The biggest x-factor with the team this season will be the success of Lauren Turner in the circle,” Shipman said. “She has made huge strides as an athlete since last season in volleyball and basketball, and we hope she continues those strides from the circle. Between Lauren Turner, Lili Roberts, Riley Holmberg and Maci Moore, we have a versatile staff. From speed to spin, we have options.”
While the Panthers might not have an abundance of power throughout the lineup, Shipman believes her squad does have the tools necessary to compete on a daily basis.
“An obstacle for this group could be size,” Shipman said. “We do not have much height or power, but what we lack in size, we have an abundance of grit. This team is scrappy and knows what it takes to be successful. They’ve shown up consistently for morning workouts to put themselves in a proper position come the start of the season.”
Following a March 14 home jamboree with Ava, Buffalo and Southwest, Forsyth opens its season March 21 at Spokane.
