VIAN SOFTBALL PREVIEW
Coach: JOHN MAYS
OUTLOOK
After going 25-9 and making it to the Class 3A super regionals last year, the Vian Wolverines look to rebuild a little as the 2024 season gets underway.
“We lost four seniors from last year’s team, but we bring back a strong core of players that I think will be very competitive,” said coach John Mays.
Heading up that group are a pair of seniors that Mays will be counting on to bring their talent and leadership to the front this year in Kala Gibbins and Rebel Simon.
“Kala is a four-year starter, the last three as our pitcher and while she can play any position on the field, we need to keep her in the circle,” said Mays. “She’s also one of our top hitters who has hit over .400 the last two years. She’s a hard worker who is constantly striving to improve her game. Rebel is a three-year starter in the outfield for us that hit .300 last year who always has a great attitude and is ready to compete.”
The Wolverines also return a handful of talented juniors who saw a lot of action last year including shortstop Halli Russell who hit .375 in 2023 with 27 hits and 21 RBIs.
“Halli is a kid that you want on the field,” said Mays. “She’s a 4.0 student and is active in cheer, FFA, and basketball as well as softball. She’s always tries to be the best at everything she does in athletics or the classroom.”
Other juniors that will be contributing include catcher Hanna Mattingly who hit .525 last season with seven home runs, third baseman Rayleigh Terrill, outfielder Tressa Sadlin and two players that alternate at first base in Aubree Craighead and Scarlett Fields. Mays will also be looking to several other underclassmen to fill some of the holes including sophomores Cassidee Postoak, Eden Girty, Tina Rautenberg, Kaidence Roark and Sidney Cox as well as freshmen Lakota Cheater, Emery Smith and Boston Rodgers.
