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Replacing players lost from a state championship team is never easy, and that’s the challenge facing the Monett Cubs in 2018.
But it’s not quite as difficult when you have an all-state returner to lean on.
“Talent wise, her energy level, her leadership, she’s definitely in the top somewhere,” said Monett Head Coach Ty Goetz.
According to Goetz, his junior centerfielder Kaesha George is one of the top players in program history setting the table for an aggressive lineup that includes four other all-district returners.
“He just says find a way to get on, I just set the tone and he says a single is a double because I just steal the next pitch anyways,” said George.
While she plays at full speed, George says it’s not the physical part of softball that she enjoys the most.
“It’s not always 100-miles per hour, it’s a mental game, you have to think before every play, every pitch,” said George.
To Goetz, that constant thinking during a game is a familiar feeling.
“I always joke with her mom, she’s cut out to be a future coach,” said Goetz.
It’s part of what’s made her so successful during her first two years in a Cubs jersey.
And Goetz says he’s expecting more of the same going forward.
“Especially having success early, as a freshman and a sophomore, you’re always nervous about a sophomore slump or now a junior slump, but I don’t see that happening,” said Goetz. “She’s too big of a competitor for one. She’s not going to let it happen, and just knowing the game and understanding and being able to make adjustments, I don’t see it happening at all.”
So far, Goetz is right as George continues to lead the way for the Monett lineup, on and off the basepaths.
“I just try to be a leader every time I can, underclassmen, upperclassmen I always try to lead and show people how it’s done,” said George.
