Local HS softball teams to feature an array of elite talent

MADISON – The 2025 high school softball season will feature an array of superior talent on an individual basis, and a smorgasbord of storylines among the four local teams. First pitch for action across the state is Feb. 13.

A mixture of youth and elite experiences make up the narratives of the local squads as winter moves out and spring begins to blossom across Madison County. Each squad has its own anecdote and range from All-State returnees to a new coach.

Bob Jones

The best word to describe the Lady Patriots is new. With a new coach, new look and some new players, Bob Jones is set to rebuild and restock its cargo.

Braeden Netherton steps into the role as head coach after Whitney Deaver stepped away in a different school after eight years as head Patriot. Also gone from the red, white and blue squad are three All-State players who propelled the 2024 team to a 29-16-1 record, but Netherton has prepped through the off-season and is ready to hit the field and the challenge before her.

Netherton heads into the season with a roster that features one senior, Kaila Holloway (P/UTI, Sr.), who along with junior Nahlani Simpson (UTI, Jr.) are the spine of the squad. Holloway batted .422 with 29 RBIs off 54 hits last season. Simpson only had half as many at bats and most playing time in a backup role, but batted .220 with 13 hits producing 12 runs.

“With one senior and handful of juniors, we are a rather young team, which makes me excited for the future of our program,” said Netherton.

Carson Horton (P/UIT, So., .212, 21 hits, 13 RBIs) and Ryleigh Heddy (C/UTI, So., 7 hits, 6 RBIs) are a pitcher-catcher sophomore duo that Netherton said, “We cannot wait to see take the field in 2025.” A shining freshman, Bella Giesbrecht (SS, Fr.) saw limited action in 2024 but has natural talent that is currently being highly thought of. Joining Giesbrecht are incoming freshmen Evelyn Gauthier (C/UIT, Fr.) who will be behind the plate and infielder Kaydence Brown (3B, Fr.). In all, there are one senior, six juniors, and three each sophomores and freshmen on the 2025 squad.

“While the 2025 season will be a rebuilding season for us, the talent, drive and dedication my players show every day prove their willingness to do whatever it takes to grow the Bob Jones softball program and help continue the tradition of success,” added Netherton. “I am grateful for the opportunity to not only coach this group on the field, but also help lead them off the field as well.”

As a team in 2024, Bob Jones batted .369 with 338 runs scored.

James Clemens

Fourth-year head coach Bradley Kimbrough may have what could be distinguished as the youngest team in Alabama among Class 7A teams. Kimbrough said, “Our Lady Jets will look brand new this season, because they are. Our squad will dress out just one returning starter from our 2024 team.”

The lone returner is Sayde South (OF/P, Jr.) a junior outfielder-pitcher who a season ago posted a .284 average with 17 RBIs. In the circle, she posted 94 innings completed with a 6-15 record and a 5.80 ERA. Her efforts accompanied a team that was 10-22 overall and finished third in area play.

“Yes, it was a heavily disappointing season as it was highlighted only by a semi-final appearance at the Northwest Bama Bash Tournament in Florence,” said Kimbrough, who is a 2000 graduate of nearby Sheffield High.

Besides its lone senior, the 2025 Jets’ roster includes two juniors, six sophomores, 10 freshmen and one eighth grader, all of which, according to Kimbrough, are competing for starting positions.

Madison Academy

The Class 3A Lady Mustangs have experience both within the team and its coaching staff. Dean Clark steps into his reins as head coach for his 11th season and 26th overall with the private school program. The squad has eight returning starters and three 2024 All-State players from a team that made it to the Final Four a season ago with a 33-6 record.

Among the returnees is First-Team All-State pitcher Cataryna Schreiber (P/1B, Jr.), a UAB commit, who was 31-6 with 282 strikeouts and a 1.20 ERA. Her unbelievable play came as a sophomore. Emily Burgreen (2B/SS, Sr.), a Calhoun Community College signee, returns for her senior season as a Second-Team All-State selection at her infield second base position. In 2024, she batted .471 with 49 hits, 6 homers and 47 RBIs. Evie Stephenson (OF, 8) astonished the Class 3A softball division by being named Honorable Mention All-State as a seventh grader. The sure-handed outfielder led last year’s team with a .486 batting average with 53 hits scoring 45 runs. She also had 29 stolen bases and struck out just four times in over 100 at bats.

Clark pointed out senior Adair Allen (OF/P, Sr.), also a Calhoun signee, who was a newcomer to the team a year ago, batted .334 and was 2-0 with 7 saves on the mound.

Also of note, as All-Area 15 selections back on the field this season are Breelyn Kilpatrick (C/2B, Fr.) and Memphis Houston (SS, C, So.). The Mustangs have won five straight Area Championships.

Sparkman

In her second season as head coach, Sparkman’s Macie Morris is looking at a good mix of players from all four classes at the Harvest school. The Class 7A program has seven each from the senior and junior classes, 10 sophomores and five freshmen on the varsity roster. The Lady Senators’ schedule includes tournament play in Jacksonville, Hoover, Gulf Shores and in the special 12-team high school Softball Showcase at Toyota Field.