STILWELL INDIANS

Coach: KYLE DECKER

OUTLOOK

With the return of eight starters and five seniors, Stilwell is well-equipped for success in 2023 under head coach Kyle Decker. “We are excited about the upcoming season. We return eight starters and have one coming back off a knee injury. We have five seniors who we are looking forward to leading our team to a successful season,” Decker said. Senior infielder Taya Ross, a VYPE Top 100 candidate, hit .500 with 19 stolen bases and had a .896 fielding percentage as a junior last year. “[Taya] is a very aggressive player and leaves everything out in the field. She’s definitely a player I see being successful at the next level,” Decker said. “She hit .500 as a junior and we look forward to her being one of our leaders in the upcoming season.” Taylee Sawney started in every game as a freshman infielder and will also help as a pitcher. Sawney batted .280, knocked in 14 runs and had a .906 fielding percentage in 2022. “Taylee is going into her sophomore year and started every game for us as a freshman. We look forward to her gaining more confidence at the plate going into year two and driving in some runs. We also look forward to her helping us out in the circle,” Decker said. Katelyn Wilson returns as junior utility player after swiping 12 bases, to go along with a .904 fielding percentage, last season. “Kate is a player that every coach loves. She is a hard-nosed player that does whatever you ask of her.

Although she may not say much, her game speaks volumes,” Decker said. Senior outfielder Madison Ingram is also back. Ingram hit .264 and had 11 RBIs as a junior. “Madi is a player who works behind the scenes. She has worked extremely hard in the weight room and developed into a good player,” Decker said. “She is of high character and always does what is asked of her.” Joining Ross and Ingram as returning seniors include first baseman Kasia Thurber, who hit .384 and drove in 24 runs last season, pitcher/outfielder Adrian Gaches, who posted a 2.40 ERA in 2022, and outfielder Harley Smith, who hit .273 with 13 RBIs. Infielder Avery Knight and utility player Brycee Thomas are back as juniors. Knight hit .384 and knocked in 24 runs last year, while Thomas missed all of last season due to a knee injury. Other sophomores who will play roles include outfielders Piper Blackburn, Baylee Birdtail, Lauren Diver and Mady George, and first baseman Aspyn Cochran.