Coach: Jerry Walker
24-10
After another successful 24-win season, Fort Gibson enters 2026 with high expectations despite fielding another youthful roster. Head coach Jerry Walker returns all but one player from last year’s team, giving the Tigers valuable experience to pair with a summer spent getting stronger in the weight room. With only two seniors on the roster, Fort Gibson will once again rely on underclassmen who have already gained meaningful varsity experience.
“We will be very athletic as we have been working hard in the weight room all summer,” Walker said.
The Tigers’ biggest strength may be their depth in the circle. Junior pitchers Karsen Pemberton and Skyla Oden return with experience, while sophomore Baylor Rouse and freshmen Kailey Smith and Addy Haworth provide additional options, giving Walker multiple arms to lean on throughout the season.
Offensively, Fort Gibson welcomes back its top two hitters from a year ago in sophomores Jayda Wood and Bristol Green, who will once again be counted on to spark the lineup. Sophomore catcher Leila Lone returns behind the plate after gaining valuable experience, while senior Alyria Smith anchors the defense and is regarded as one of the team’s top defensive players.
Competition for playing time should be fierce with a talented group of young players pushing for larger roles. Sophomores Halle Hogan, Caitlin Waggle, Bentley Smith and Camber Bradley all return with experience, while freshman Baylee Longan adds another promising piece to an already deep roster.
With nearly the entire team back from a 24-10 campaign, athleticism throughout the lineup and pitching depth across multiple classes, the Tigers have the experience and talent to remain among the area’s top contenders as they look to build on last season’s success.
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