Heavener Lady Wolves Softball

By Payton Moody 

The Lady Wolves fastpitch softball team is gearing up for an exciting upcoming season with clear goals and aspirations. Heavener head coach Rodale Sanders provided some insights into the team’s preparation, strengths, challenges, anticipated matchups and his excitement as a coach for the season ahead.

Sanders emphasized the team’s short-term goals, as well as long-term. “We want to win as many district games as we can to set us up for a good postseason draw,” Sanders said. “The team is focused on performing well in the district games, which will be crucial for their postseason success.”

During the offseason, the team has been diligently working on improving their physical performance. “We’ve put a lot of emphasis on working out in the weight room this summer,” Sanders said. “Additionally, they have been practicing in the heat to acclimate themselves to the weather and enhance their overall conditioning.”

The Lady Wolves roster in 2023 includes a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. “We have a group of five seniors that have loads of experience which is a strength,” Sanders said. “And we have some inexperienced freshmen who will need to step up and contribute.”

Mariana Garcia and Cayleigh McGee return to the infield as seniors while Ava Cartwright and Paisley Stacy bring experience to the outfield while Gracie Morrison will return to the circle for her senior campaign. Juniors Meredith Smith, who will be back at first base and Anleigh Hackney will return as upperclassmen as the energetic freshmen including Kristy Shadwick, Mattison Smallen and Kaitlin Hurst will wear the purple and gold this fall.

One of the biggest challenges the team might face is their battle with numbers. “In a school of 300 students, we only have 10 girls on our softball team,” Sanders said. “With a small roster, any injuries or illnesses could pose significant difficulties, making it a unique challenge for a class 3A school.”

From a coach’s perspective, Sanders is most excited about seeing the development of the young players and their interaction with the experienced seniors. He is also hopeful about the team’s improved offensive firepower having focused on swinging the bat during the offseason resulting in growth and maturity that will lead to more runs scored.

The Lady Wolves softball team is poised to face their challenges head-on and build on their strengths as they strive for success in the upcoming season.