Carterville softball is gearing up for its 2024 season, and considering its previous record, there are a lot of expectations for this upcoming season. Carterville softball has been a powerhouse in the area for many years now, competing against very talented teams. In previous years, the softball team has made it to regionals, sectionals, and even state competitions. Last season, the Lady Lions made it to super sectionals, facing a tough loss against Johnston City.
This season, there are multiple returning members of the team. Softball coach, Will Capie, talks about his expectations for the season saying, “ This group has quite a bit of veteran leadership returning. If we’re able to focus on our processes, and not necessarily outcomes, I’m confident this group will not only meet but exceed everyone’s expectations. They’ve worked hard this offseason and will be ready to hit the ground running on February 26th.”
Team leaders like senior Karson Caudill, are, “anxious to get the season started.” Caudill is the starting second baseman for the team, and also a solid hitter in their batting lineup. She says that she “is ready for this season. I never thought that my senior season would come this fast, but now that it is here I am so excited to see how we compete as a team. We have some great competition, but I know that we will come together for a great season.”
Other members of the team, such as junior Kendall McCalla, are trying to get back into the swing of things. McCalla plays outfield and shortstop for the team, and says that she is, “excited for this season! All of us have the same goal and have the dedication to make it happen. I’m excited to see what this has in store for me and my team.” Now that she is an upperclassman she is looking forward to, “being able to lead my other my other younger teammates.”
Not only are there multiple upperclassmen preparing to return for this season, but there are also returning underclassmen ready to take it to the next level.
Sophomore Caidence Phillips was the team’s starting pitcher last year, when she was only a freshman. She took the off-season to work on her skills and improve to give her team the best shot this season. Phillips says she has been “going to the gym as well as playing basketball. I have also been hitting and trying to perfect my spins for pitching. I am so excited for this season with my teammates, and we have a lot of goals this year. Our biggest goal is to make it to the state and hopefully win. We have a tough schedule and are hoping to beat a lot of those hard teams.”
With the off-season coming to an end, the Lady Lions softball team is preparing for another competitive season. The team’s outlook on this season is hopeful, and they are ready to take on whatever gets thrown their way. Carterville Lions softball has their official home opener on March 28th vs. Vienna.
