The Park Hill South softball team that took the field in 2024 will look different than the team that will take the field this year.
The Panthers graduated all-state infielder Erin Stewart and several others, but return three upperclassmen and two underclassmen who are expected to provide leadership for a young team.
“We could easily have six to nine starters that are freshmen or sophomores; a young team with talent,” head coach Josh Walker said. In his 19th season, Walker welcomes Danny Parra to his coaching staff as an assistant alongside Nathan Werner and William Sobbe.
Pitcher and infielder Maddie Smith returns for her senior season as a 2024 all-conference and all-region selection, joined by junior all-conference outfielder Ella Purl and sophomore all-conference catcher Maci Blake. The Panthers could see some freshmen become integral players in the team, such as Jolie Jones pitching or playing infield, Kinsey Haley on the infield or Gracie Austin in the outfield.
The Panthers are hoping to provide more competition after three consecutive seasons with a record under .500. Walker likes what he has seen from his team and anticipates an improved season from his squad.
“We should be competitive in every game we play,” Walker said. “The girls are working hard. We lost some really good players, but I’m very excited about the girls we have playing softball this year.”
Park Hill South wants to avoid a losing start to the season, which they fell into last year with a nine-game losing streak to start the year. The schedule will be challenging out of the gate, with some travel and competition against difficult opponents.
The Panthers open the season in Omaha for an interstate doubleheader clash against Benson on Aug. 30 before returning home for a visit to Staley on Sept. 2. South’s home opener is slated for Sept. 3 against Lee’s Summit North.