By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
There is a youth movement in Okarche.
The Warriors softball team enters the 2019 fast pitch season led by a group of underclassmen that has gained experience over the last three seasons. Although his team has no seniors, coach Brandon Treece is pleased with the squad’s leadership from within.
“I like our attitude and we have good kids out there,” he said.
“They work hard and they are really coachable. You hear coaches say that if you have to coach effort, you’re going nowhere. That isn’t the case with this group. We’re in a good place as far as that even without any seniors.”
At one point during scrimmages last week, Treece looked up and saw eight freshmen and sophomores in the infield and outfield. That speaks to not only a young roster, but also flexibility in order to help his players grow.
“We’re going to be really, really young,” he said. “It will be about how quickly the young players can step into new roles. Some didn’t play last year or had different roles and now they’re in a new position. Whether it’s hitting in different spots or playing different positions, it’s about how they adjust mentally. Those are some of the main things we’ll be looking for.”
The Warriors will be led by sophomore pitcher Karsyn Vallerand in the circle. Treece said she was forced into action as a freshman and responded well in her first campaign.
He sees her pitching most of the games this fall, although he will be working with other pitchers to give his young starter a break.
Chloe Wanger and Hayley Coffey will also help lead the way, each playing similar roles offensively and defensively.
Treece said one of the two will catch and the other will play in the infield, helping solidify two positions throughout the year.
They will also likely bat near the top of the lineup ahead of Vallerand.
“With those three girls you know what you’re going to get,” Treece said.
“They are the type of girls you find at the cages or at the field in their off time, putting in extra work. That’s what makes them good leaders.”
Treece will also look to the Arms sisters, Jadyn and Ady, who each gained experience last year.
Ady mainly played defense last year and could be moving into a starting infield role. Jadyn will be in the mix as one of the team’s leaders as well once she returns from an injury.
Okarche gets an early start at home this year, hosting Ninnekah Monday before hitting the road to take on Cashion Tuesday.
His team went 6-23 last season with a tough slate, but Treece thinks there are plenty of winnable games on the schedule this year.
“We play Binger in September and they should be No. 1 or No. 2 in the state,” he said.
“We play in a couple of tournaments that will be tough, but overall I think we have a chance to go out and compete with anybody on our schedule. It will be about how the girls face these teams and what they can learn as the season goes on.”
The Warriors may not have an upperclassman in the mix, but they have plenty of experience and leadership.
Treece is excited about the fall, maybe even more than past years.
“It’s going to be a fun season,” he said.
“We have a lot of work to do before we get where we want to be, but I’m pumped because I think this is a strong group.”
