Coach: JAKE TAYLOR
12-18
OUTLOOK
It was late spring when Jake Taylor was named the new softball coach at Vian High School, so he hasn’t had a lot of time to evaluate his team. “I’ve only gotten to really see them in action in a handful of summer games so far, but I like what I see,” said Taylor who noted he hasn’t coached softball in about 10 years. “I think our defense will be pretty good but I’m a little concerned about our bats right now.” Senior Halli Russell will be the leader of the team in 2025. “Halli is a great multi-tool player who swings the bat well and will play anywhere you ask her to,” said Taylor. “She’s coming off a great junior campaign and is looking forward to producing one last time her senior year. She is also involved in FFA, FCA, cheer and basketball as well and will graduate with honors next spring. She’s a great leader and role model for the students in our community.” Two other seniors that Taylor will be counting on are Scarlett Fields who will probably be the team DH and returning third baseman Rayleigh Terril who is also a strong hitter. Underclassmen that are expected to contribute are sophomore Tinley Gibson and freshman Jordyn Cowett. “Jordyn swings the bat really well and plays the field like an upperclassman and she has a chance to help us in the circle as well. Tinley has a lot of raw talent and has a lot of summer ball experience and has played in the outfield for us. She’s got a lot of raw talent and great potential,” said Taylor. “Even though we’ve got some returning seniors, we’ll still be pretty young and could have three or four freshmen in the lineup at any given time. It’s hard to make predictions with so little to go on, but I do think we’ll be more competitive than we were last year.”
