By Chris Parker
Aurora softball returns seven varsity starters in Tanner Schmidt’s first season as head coach of the program. The Lady Houns won seven games last year.
Those seven starters including three seniors in Maci Montgomery (first base), Destiny Jaramillo (centerfield) and Rosie Ackerman (third base).
Montgomery hit .310 with a .408 on-base percentage as a junior.
“Maci Montgomery will be a leader on our team as someone who brings a lot of energy onto the field,” Schmidt said. “Keeping the mood light and creating a great environment for her teammates is her best trait.”
Jaramillo posted a .351 on-base percentage in 2021.
“Destiny Jaramillo is a vocal leader for her teammates, and someone who makes sure everyone is engaged and included no matter the activity,” Schmidt said. “She has an infectious personality that often spreads through our team.”
Ackerman will see a bigger role this year after playing in 10 of 25 games last year.
“Rosie Ackerman is a leader by example,” Schmidt said. “She is not afraid to ask a question or help a teammate in need. She enjoys her playing and having fun with teammates, but also has her head down and hard at work most of the time.”
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The final four returning players are all sophomores in Kena Hall (catcher), Aubrey Simpson (shortstop), Abby Williams (pitcher) and Kyra Martinez (left field/utility).
This group will also be looked to for leadership.
“I expect several of our returning sophomores to find their ability to lead as well,” Schmidt said. “Abby Williams is always heard encouraging her teammates. Aubrey Simpson brings consistency and plays with tons of passion. Kena Hall is the loudest on the field and never lacks confidence in her abilities. Kyra is a very stoic player who is starting to come out of her shell, and is always giving 100% effort.”
Hall was named first-team all-conference as a freshman on the strength of hitting a team-high .480 with a 1.309 OPS. She scored a team-high 26 runs and drove in 15 more. Hall was a menace on the basepaths with 36 stolen bases in 37 attempts.
Simpson earned second-team all-conference honors in the outfield last year. She hit .463 with a 1.138 OPS. Her 15 RBI and 23 runs scored were second on the team. She stole 21 bases as well.
Williams threw every inning for Aurora last year with 128.1 innings pitched and 50 strikeouts.
Martinez hit. 290 with a .371 on-base percentage.
“I have been very happy with how our team has handled their off-season as a whole. Participation numbers are down for our team this year; however, we do not lack returning varsity experience for our team,” Schmidt said. “Our seniors have gained more confidence and started to demonstrate the ability to lead and play with a short memory. Our sophomore class is very talented and have started to settle in after playing a lot of varsity as freshmen. They are set to have breakout seasons and really show how good they can be.”
Senior Haylee Batson along with sophomores Raelynn Burnaugh and Lillyan Marks and freshmen Kenzie Morgan and Daigen Stellwagen will look to make varsity contributions this year.
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Aurora will be small, tight knit group this year.
“Our 2022 Lady Houns are a tight knit group of athletes,” Schmidt said. “We have small numbers in Aurora this year, however, the girls we do have are committed to the game, committed to their team, and love the game. I believe the small numbers will result in a very positive team culture that I hope extends beyond the 2022 season.”
Aurora will travel to Bolivar for a jamboree on Aug. 23 with the host Liberators, Cassville and Branson before opening the regular season on Aug. 26 and 27 at home in a tournament.
“Our team expectations this season is to make the game fun again,” Schmidt said. “Our softball program needs a rejuvenation of interest, participation, and enjoyment around the game. I want this group to help set the standards for our team culture; building an environment that they love to show up and play in every day. If our team can play with great attitude and effort throughout the 2022 season, it will result in a successful season.”
