SEQUOYAH TAHLEQUAH LADY INDIANS
Coach: Jeff Turtle
21-20
Entering his 17th season as head coach at Sequoyah, Jeff Turtle enters the 2023 fastpitch season with the same expectations.
“You might look at the roster and think these girls are young,” said veteran mentor. “But if you know about the girls wearing the Sequoyah uniform, you know they’re experienced well beyond their age.”
Sequoyah softball tradition of success is known well by their opponents for their competitive spirit and Turtle says this year’s team is no different.
“It’s how we play, bring your best every day and battle from the first pitch to the final out and see what happens.”
Leading the way this season will be Rylee Bush (2B/P/OF, Jr.) and Emma Culie (SS/C, So.). The talented duo will solidify the middle defense while fueling the hit parade with their bats.
“Rylee’s high energy level makes her a tough out at the plate. She led us last year with a .458 batting average and total 45 RBI while smothering the 3-4 hole with a glove,” said Turtle. “Emma is a long rangy player with a strong arm to go deep in the hole and still throw out a fast runner. At the plate, she homered nine times while producing a .438 average. On base, she can take an extra base because of her speed.”
Leading off the lineup will be Layni Smith (OF/INF, So.) who will challenge the best defenses whenever she’s on the base path. In 2022, Smith stole 26 bases and was only thrown out once. After being part of Sequoyah’s girls golf team that made the state tournament last spring, Macy McCrary (1B/UTL, Jr.) bring her no fear, tough minded spirit to the diamond on defense or offense.
“She’s got some pop in her bat and without question Macy will do the right thing, the first time and every time,” said Turtle.
Young by age but veterans through game experience and softball IQ, Turtle expects to get a boost from the influence of three incoming freshmen. Joselyn Munoz (P, Fr.) will be ask to control the game from the circle with a wicked change up as well as her always moving curveball and challenging fastball. Lanie Shomo (INF/OF, Fr.) is skilled and knowledgeable of what to do or where to be in any game situation. Waleli Hummingbird (UTL, Fr.) can and will play a variety of position making the most of her competitive and aggressive approach.
Also expected to add to the final score outcome will be juniors Wahleah Jackson, Skielah Hamby and Makayla Lackey along with sophomores Jacelyn Mouse, Lexi Daniels and Aliya Freeman.
The Lady Indians last state tournament season was in 2018 and Turtle wants this season to end up at ASA Hall of Fame season in October.
“We’ve still got work to do by learning to control what thing we can control. That starts and ends with hard work and I know that’s how we’ll practice and play.
