Seymour softball won 10 games last season, which marked the first time the program posted double-digit wins as a spring program.
Four starters from that team return with a new head coach in Aaron Gray this season. He spent the previous nine season at Mansfield.
“They have lost a number of girls to graduation,” Gray said. “Although there are a number of letter winners remaining, this group doesn’t have a ton of game experience. The challenge will be to get them on board with what I do and get buy in.”
Sophomore pitcher Chloe Johnson will handle a bulk of the innings. She is a lefty with good velocity. Johnson threw 63.1 of 94.1 innings last season with 72 strikeouts.
Elliott Hanger (sophomore) and Kallie Benson (freshman) are candidates at catcher.
Haydon Gage (senior), Elianna Wallace (sophomore), Addie Hayes (junior), Paisha Sturdefant (junior) Taylor Cantrell (junior) and Harley Moore (senior) will be on the infield.
Gage had a 1.313 OPS last season with seven doubles, 17 RBI and 21 runs scored.
Look for Kaylynne Bull (senior), Laikan Newman (sophomore), Emma Lucas (junior), Cantrell and Mali Koop (junior) in the outfield.
“I think we will get good pitching, and I l want to be a team that hits the ball well. My goal is to average at least eight runs a game,” Gray said.
Seymour opens the season on Mar. 25 at home against Blue Eye.
“My expectations are to compete for a conference title first and foremost,” Gray said. “I want to then put ourselves in a position to compete for a district title.”
