Coach: RYAN DILL
2024 Record: 24-19
SEASON OUTLOOK
After falling just one game short of the state tournament—losing in the Super Regional finals to eventual 4A state champion Weatherford—the Poteau Lady Pirates return in 2025 with one goal: finish the job.
“We only lost two seniors, and we’ve got a lot of great young players ready to step up,” said head coach Ryan Dill. “We’re gonna be a very tough 4A team in 2025.”
With a deep and experienced roster led by one of the top pitchers in the state, expectations are high for the Lady Pirates. “We bring back a ton of talent, and we feel like we’ve got a complete group,” Dill said.
Senior pitcher and Mississippi State commit Emma Hackler leads the way both in the circle and at the plate. “Emma is a difference maker. She’s not only a dominant pitcher, but she’s a power hitter and can cover ground in center field when needed,” said Dill. “She’s got the tools to impact the game in every way.”
Junior shortstop Emma Walker is poised for a breakout season. “Emma’s going to get heavily recruited this year,” Dill said. “She’s got great hands, elite softball IQ, and she’s the kind of hitter that can spray it to all fields.”
Together, Hackler and Walker form one of the most dangerous duos in 4A, and both are expected to carry the Lady Pirates deep into postseason play.
While the team leans on veteran leadership, several underclassmen are ready to take on bigger roles. “We’ve got a group of young players that we’re really excited about,” said Dill. “They’re working hard every day, and they’re going to be big pieces for us.”
The 2025 schedule will test Poteau early and often, with a strong non-district slate followed by key matchups in one of the most competitive classes in the state. But Dill welcomes the challenge.
This group knows what it takes to win at a high level. After coming so close last year, they’re hungry—and they believe they’ve got the kind of roster that can go all the way.
With firepower, experience, and a chip on their shoulder, the Lady Pirates have one thing on their mind in 2025: state.
