The 2024 season was unlike any other seen in the history of Park Hill softball.
The Trojans hit the 25-win milestone last season for the first time in program history. A year later, they want to pick up where they left off.
After a 1-6 start in 2024, the Trojans went on a 17-game winning streak to set the table for a conference championship and a trip to the district finals. All that success from last year has the team this year desiring more.
“That was last year’s team, story and adventure,” head coach Jeremy Benninghoff said. “This team retains some core individuals from last year, but this is a new team with a new story to write and adventure to live. The program goal is always the same, control what you can control, be coachable, and do the right thing while being a great leader and teammate.”
Park Hill returns six starting players, including all-state pitcher and infielder Mandia Bock for her junior campaign as well as all-conference senior trio Brynlee Johnson (catcher), Autumn Bridges (infield) and Brooklyn Bertoncino (infielder and pitcher).
“Having your best players be your best leaders is always exciting,” Benninghoff said. “I am also excited to see how the new girls fit in and contribute. These kids are really fun to be around, and they want to compete and work hard daily; that is so great to show up to as a coach each day.”
The Trojans also return sophomore all-conference infielders Jade Tucker and Ellie Harris, who will be joined by three new upperclassmen, two sophomores and freshman Caitlin Pittman making the direct jump to varsity. Benninghoff is excited for this year’s team under great upperclass leadership.
Last year’s team scored 7.5 runs per game, the team’s highest mark since 2011, and kept opponents to just 2.7 runs per game. After a 9-1 record in conference last season, the Trojans aim to repeat as conference champions and win their first district title since 2020.
“Our mentality is the same as last year, play good softball,” he said. “This includes execute at a high level, do the little things really well, be great teammates, lead well and have great attitudes, focus and effort.”
Park Hill’s season begins with some interstate competition against schools from Nebraska and Oklahoma in the Top Gun Tournament on August 29 and 30 in Shawnee, Kansas. The Trojans kick off their home slate against Liberty North on Sept. 2.