By Chris Parker
New Heights Christian Academy softball went 7-15 last season and returns four starters this year.
Those four starters are Lily Moore (catcher/outfield), Allie Stout (infield/outfield), Teagan Martinez (infield/outfield) and Whitney Lawrence (infield/outfield). Four other players also return making the returning group eight deep.
Sophomore Anna Heltzel and freshman Isabella Stephens will be the pitchers.
“Anna heltzel is a sophomore who did pitch some varsity. Anna is a location pitcher who is consistently around the zone. She gained valuable experience due to injury last year. This experience will build her confidence going into this year as she continues to learn how to throw,” New Heights head coach John Lucas said. “Isabella Stephens is an incoming freshman and new to the program. Isabella does have some experience throwing at the junior high level plus some travel ball. Isabella works hard with a ton of athletic talent. She’s taking pitching lessons to help develop her skills. Isabella does have some speed on her fastball, she can throw a consistent change-up, and is working on both a rise plus curveball.”
Moore and Truly Prater (freshman) will handle catching duties.
Look for Moore, Jadyn Dean (freshman), Stout, Martinez and Lawrence on the infield with Prater, Mya Williams (freshman) and Alayna McKarus (junior) also looking for time on the dirt.
Jocee Baker (sophomore), McKarus and Prater will be in the outfield with Natalie Grant (freshman), Kallie Spencer (freshman), Williams and Cooper Vainio (sophomore) also in the running for time in the outfield.
“These girls are family and willing to sacrifice for each other. We will be disciplined in our approach, show toughness until the end and be selfless for each other to be our best,” Lucas said. “Defensively, we must make the routine plays when we’re supposed to. Offensively, we need to be disciplined at the plate and put the ball in play.”
New Heights Christian opens the season Mar. 24-26 at the Mt. Vernon Tournament.
Our core values are discipline, toughness and selfless. We want to be a group who exhibits Christlike attributes in everything we do to allow others the opportunity to experience Jesus. We want to be a team who puts the ball in play, puts pressure on the defense, makes the routine play defensively, and just has fun playing the game,” Lucas said. “Our mission is to be our best, most competitive individuals and team in everything we do. I want this year to be a journey where we surrender the outcome, focus on the process, compete with joy, and enjoy being with your teammates.”
