ADA BULLDOGS
Division IV
Northwest Conference
2023 record: 16-7
Head coach: Jeff Bassitt
Key returners: Jenna Bassitt, Tessa Griffith, Naitlyn McClain, Daicy Robinson, Katie Sizemore, Aidra Preston, Karley Wagner, Alainee Buxton.
Promising newcomers: Abbey Johnston, Emma Lambdin, Madi Rowland, Kiera Cash, Kyle Fenner, Gabbie Fleming, Sofia Fleming, Reese Jordan, Taliana Parker, Dailah Preston.
Coach’s outlook: “We hope to compete for the NWC this year.”
ALLEN EAST MUSTANGS
Division III
Northwest Conference
2023 record: 10-10
Head coach: Kelly Coble (fourth season)
Key returners: Aubrey Young OF, Savana Brooks C, Aniya Prowant INF, Taylor Nickles INF.
Promising newcomers: Lauren Wireman P, Aaliyah Young P.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re returning some key starters, but we’ll need to fill some important positions with girls who are inexperienced at the varsity level. We’re looking to be competitive this season and gain experience for our underclassmen.”
BATH WILDKITTENS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
2023 record: 11-15
Head coach: Hannah Slavin (seventh season)
Key returners: Claire Armentrout INF/C, Anne Oliver OF, Olivia Foster OF/UTIL, Tea Sibert INF/P, Madison Edelbrock P, Kyree Stumbaugh P, Addison Gibson C.
Promising newcomers: Izzy Ingram OF, Jade Jesko UTIL, Brooklynn Moralez OF, Mara Davis UTIL, Lilly Miller UTIL, Briley Kaple UTIL, Hailey Compton UTIL.
Coach’s outlook: “This season we’re looking forward to strong leadership from our upperclassmen. I anticipate we will have a scrappy defense and a dynamic offense. On the mound, our pitchers will give us an opportunity to compete in every game. This is a mentally tough, competitive, and hardworking group of girls that will rise to the occasion.”
CELINA BULLDOGS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
2023 record: 11-13
Head coach Renee Williams (first season)
Key returners: Caitlyn Nuding OF, Jacci Felver INF, Colbie Kinney INF/P, Paiton Rhodes C/UTIL
Promising newcomers: Rylee Bonifas OF, Brooke Faber OF, Avery Stachler INF, Isabelle Thobe OF, Claire Kuehne OF, Lilly Gonzalez P/UTIL, Campbelle Gass UTIL, Maddie Allen C/UTIL.
Coach’s outlook: “Despite our youth, our softball athletes pose an undeniable skill set that will allow us to compete in every situation. Our goal as a program is to foster a culture of continuous improvement and determination that allows us to compete at the highest level. We also want to win the WBL and make a tournament run.”
COLUMBUS GROVE BULLDOGS
Division IV
Northwest Conference/Putnam County League
2023 record: 10-11
Head coach: Travis Gallmeier (10th season, 135-68)
Key returners: Abby Stechschulte P/INF, Kirsten McCauley OF, Jade Siefker OF, Lauren Fuerst OF, Carlie Aguirre INF, Erianna Heffner C, Dakota Dunn P/INF.
Promising newcomers: Tori Williamson, Shelby Williams, Isabella Wilson, Madilyn Maag, Amber Michel, Audrey Keehn, Payton Bechtol, Reagan Bryan, Avery Birnesser, Breanna Hoffman Caidynce Schnipke, Lylah Wilson, Khloe Lumpkins.
Key losses: Jaelyn Mangas, Gwen Langhals, Izzie Ramos, Megan Bogart.
Coach’s outlook: “We return seven letter winners from a team that finished 10-11 overall last season. We’re looking to improve our finish in both the Putnam County League and the Northwest Conference. We have to replace four starters from last year’s team and will need some girls with little varsity experience to step up.”
CRESTVIEW KNIGHTS
Division IV
Northwest Conference
2023 record: 26-6
Head coach: Ali Sawmiller (fourth season)
Key returners: Katie Sawmiller P/INF, Kaylee Mollenkopf P/OF, Dakota Thornell C.
Promising newcomers: Zoey Miller INF, Violet Dirr INF/OF, Lydia Grace INF, Kaci Gregory INF.
Coach’s outlook: ” We have a very young team this year, returning just three starters from last season. This is a great opportunity for our upperclassmen to learn to lead and for our underclassmen to gain experience throughout the season. We’re looking forward to instilling this mindset in these girls as we move through this season and work towards an NWC Championship.”
DEFIANCE BULLDOGS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
2023 record: 18-5
Head coach: Dennis Parrish (ninth season)
Key returners: Ayvah Cullen INF, Vida Casarez C, Bella Gutierrez INF, Taylor Bibler OF, Viviana King-Mayeku OF, Taighen Zipfel P/OF/INF, Brooke Gathman P/INF, Jaleysia Montez INF, Amira Jallad INF, Eliza Ramirez OF, Caroline McDonald INF.
Promising newcomers: Storie Krebs INF, Paulina George OF, Jordyn Busch P, Elley Ward INF, Khloe Siler C/OF.
Coach’s outlook: “We are hoping to be competitive this year in the league and the postseason. We have several returning players back, but we lost some seniors who were great vocal leaders. We need to find players who are willing to step up into that role. We have challenged our girls every day in practice and over winter workouts. They are a hungry group that has several goals in mind. We’re looking forward to seeing how we compare to other teams in the area.”
ELIDA BULLDOGS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
2023 record: 12-12
Head coach: Hillary Overholt (eighth season)
Key returners: Leah Ramirez P/INF, Kaelynn Smith INF, Carly Chiles C, Abby Daugherty OF, Kayla Hunter INF, Liv Walters OF.
Promising newcomers: Lilly Sifrit P/OF, Delaney Miller INF, Ava Jackson INF/OF, Lacie Hawkey INF/OF, Cheyenne Bowers OF.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re returning six experienced starters and adding some talented young players to the roster. We believe that we will improve from where we were last season and will be competitive in the WBL.”
KENTON WILDCATS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
2023 record: 6-12
Head coach: Brooke Austin (first season)
Key returners: Brynn Butler P/INF, Brailyn Thacker INF, Cailyn Brown INF, Riley Totten UTIL, Macee Heckathorn INF/P, Emori Criner OF, CJ Newberry OF, Brayla Butler OF/INF.
Promising newcomers: Gracie Black OF, Shelby Miller OF, Alexis Ratliff INF/P.
Coach’s outlook: “I’m looking forward to a great season with a great group of girls. There are amazing leaders on the team that are strong with their in-game knowledge and athleticism. We have returning girls who have experience in their positions and we also have great new prospects to look forward to in the future. My goal is to use the strengths of each player to the advantage of the team and allow them chances to capitalize on their game knowledge to reflect positive opportunities in the field, hitting, and baserunning. The goal for this season is to establish a sturdy base and fun outlook on softball to promote the program for future years.”
LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC T-BIRDS
Division IV
2023 record: 3-14
Head coach: Meredith Shepherd (first season)
Key returners: Melana Badea INF, Emma Skinner INF/P, Anna Schultz OF, Maria Pignataro C, Carolina Kill INF/P, Sophie Miller INF, Teagan Helmig INF/OF, Belle Barrett UTIL.
Promising newcomers: Emiley Martin OF, Courtney VanMeter OF, Olivia Venturella UTIL, Ava Gephart UTIL.
Coach’s outlook: “We have been working hard to prepare for the season and are excited to compete this year. We return six starters who provide great leadership for our team. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to grow our younger players and as a team overall.”
LIMA SENIOR SPARTANS
Division I
Toledo City Athletic League
2023 record: 9-17
Head Coach: Rob Nelson (seventh season)
Key returners: Mallory Gipson UTIL/P, Kaydance Holbrook C/UTIL.
Promising newcomers: Angie Kohlhofer P/INF, Amyah King INF/P, Malya Manley OF, Adriana Good INF, Morgan Cunningham UTL, Avah Dawson UTL, My’Kylee Lott P.
Coach’s outlook: “After losing Tillie Nelson, an all-American, and eight Seniors, the Spartans are officially rebuilding. This year’s group brings a lot of effort and positive energy to the field, cage, and classroom every day. Our new conference, The Toledo City League, brings excitement as we learn to face off against new teams. Mallory Gipson is the lone starter back from last year and will hit leadoff. Kaydance Holbrook will be a valuable UITL player as her athleticism will be tested all over the field. Every player has the chance to step up to positively impact the season. “
LINCOLNVIEW LANCERS
Division IV
Northwest Conference
2023 record: 19-10
Head coach: Eric Schwab (third season, 44-15)
Key returners: Taylor Post (First team NWC), Addysen Stevens (Second team NWC), Lainey Spear (Honorable mention NWC), Sydney Fackler, Sylvia Longstreth, Grace Brickner, Ashlyn Price, Allie Miller, Emma Bowersock.
Promising newcomers: Keira Breese, Destiney Breese, Kassidy Hammons, Quinlyn Walker, Aubrey Miller, Sophia Brickner, Cassidy Rank, Riley Brown
Key losses: Makayla Jackman, Braxton Sherrick
Coach’s outlook: “With the girls finishing off a great tournament run last season, we’re excited to continue their success on the softball diamond. We have a high number of returning players that contributed to last year’s productive season along with some newcomers that could contribute. We want to maximize time and development for each of the players during the season. Our coaching staff is excited to get the season started as we continue to evaluate the girls to put them in a position to be successful on the diamond.”
MILLER CITY WILDCATS
Division IV
Putnam County League
Head coach: Beau Pester (second season)
2023 record: 15-7
Key returners: Chelsea Wilhelm INF, Jordan Schnipke OF, Taylor Michel OF, Isabel Reyna P, Maddie Erford C, Anna Niese INF, Taygen Rieman INF, Bailey David INF, Reagan Schiffer P.
Promising newcomers: Isabelle Rieman P, Morgan Verhoff OF, Karlee Gilgenbach P, Kierra Ruhe INF, Avery Rughe OF.
Coach’s outlook: “We are looking to build on a successful season from last year with a great group of seniors and promising underclassmen. We hope to be competitive in every game and compete for another PCL title.”
PANDORA-GILBOA ROCKETS
Division IV
Putnam County League/Blanchard Valley Conference
Head Coach: Bryan Troyer (second season)
2023 record: 1-15
Key returners: Arryana Leatherman INF, Lexi Wentz INF, Makayla Suter C, Abby Butte P/INF, Anna Kempf OF, Brooklyn Leis OF, Nevaeha Alvarado INF/P, Breann Fischer OF.
Promising newcomers: Chloe Beckman OF, Luci Hovest UTIL/P, Ava Huffman INF/P, Corrin Luginbill INF/OF, Jayda Schnipke OF/P.
Coach’s outlook: “In the program’s second season back, we’re looking to continue improving. With the core of a very young team returning to mix with some new talented players, we’re looking to be more competitive.”
RIDGEMONT GOLDEN GOPHERS
Division IV
Northwest Central Conference
Head coach: Bret McFadden (second season)
2023 record: 7-15
Key returners: Reis Mendenhall OF, Jayda Dondrea INF, Matty McLane INF, Albrey Bailey INF, Amiah Jones INF, Kylie Shreve C, Ruth Eckstein OF, Baylyn Caldwell P.
Promising newcomers: Kaeleigh Hooker, Olivia Newland.
Coach’s outlook: ” This will be a season of building and growing. It’s going to take a lot of dedication, heart, and a positive mindset. We only have a total of 10 girls for this season. Teamwork and trust are going to be crucial. I look for us to be a strong defensive team and have success behind the plate.”
SHAWNEE INDIANS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
Head coach: Brian Wheeler (third season)
2023 record: 8-14
Key returners: Addie Neth C/INF, Addie Melson OF/P, Bailey Bullock INF, Gabbie Jones OF, Anna Menke INF, Maddie Hartman OF, Ameilia Hastings INF, Kacie Carroll OF.
Promising newcomers: Michaela Browing INF, Riley Rhodes P, Lyla Rosas C.
Caoch’s outlook: “We start the season with some tough games. We’ll also have four sophomores and three freshmen playing so we’re going to make some mistakes. These young ladies have a lot of talent though, and we will improve as the season wears on.”
SPENCERVILLE BEARCATS
Division IV
Northwest Conference
Head coach Lori Schwartz (sixth season)
2023 record: 4-16
Key returners: Quincey Baumgartner INF/OF, Haley Hittle C/INF, Alli Post P/OF, Andrea Shaw INF/OF, Hannah Strin INF/OF
Promising newcomers: Elise Litsey INF/OF, Gabby King C/INF, Addison Roof P/OF, Maelyn Tuttle INF/OF, Sadia Nolan INF/OF.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re a very young team with one senior and no juniors. We have several returning sophomores and promising freshman players in key positions. The team looks to be competitive in the NWC and win more games than the last couple of years. We’re working every day to become better all-around players.”
ST. MARYS ROUGHRIDERS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
Head coach: Kendra Solomon (eighth season)
2023 record: 12-8
Key returners: Makenzie Henning OF, Ashlyn Ross OF/P, Bailey Weigel OF, Alexis Shadrach INF, Cadence Hirschfield INF, Kelly Holsinger INF, Adyson VanDeKeere P, Ayden Young C.
Promising newcomers: Ava Klosterman INF, Kailey Smith C, Claire Turner OF/INF, Taylor Meyer OF, Ryleigh Berg P/OF, Cali Bond-Awls Kaylee Hunter INF/P, Makenna Meinerding OF.
Coach’s outlook: “We’re excited for the 2024 season with eight returning varsity players, along with multiple sophomores and freshmen working hard to join them. We have a lot of good athletes and good softball players. Our plan for this year is to focus on fine-tuning the skills and choices they use on the field. ”
VAN WERT COUGARS
Division II
Western Buckeye League
Head coach: Sean Kennedy (first season)
2023 record: 4-14
Key returners: Emma Kennedy INF, Ella Hernandez C/OF, Alexis Pangle OF/INF, Katelyn Beair ( P/INF, Aubrey Wollet P/INF, Emma Haynes OF/INF/C, Emma West P/INF, Callie Garber INF/OF.
Promising newcomers: Steph Berkebile OF/2B, Kailey Blythe P/INF, Haylee Prine C/INF/OF, Isabella Wise INF/OF, Meah Johnson C/INF, Isabella Behm INF/OF/P, Katie DeAmicis C/INF Maddie Pontius C/INF/OF, Lilly Serna INF, Maria Parrish IF/OF.
Coach’s outlook: “We return eight letter winners from last year so we will be somewhat of a veteran team. I’m expecting us to be competitive in every contest. We lost a couple of starters to graduation who held key positions the last couple of years but have a couple that had playing time in those spots, so it won’t be new to them. I believe the team is going to be very athletic and have some good speed on the team. From a team perspective, I feel we have a team of blue-collar players that come to practice every day and put the hard work in and we’re hoping it pays off on the field.”
WAYNESFIED-GOSHEN TIGERS
Division IV
Northwest Central Conference
Head coach: Cydney Roberts (first season)
2023 record: 4-17
Key returners: Bailey Waitman OF, Tatelyn Faraglia P/INF, Taryn Tate C/INF, Lexi Stump OF, Liberty Glaser INF/C, Teagan Kirian OF/INF, Ava Messer INF.
Promising newcomers: Makenna Shaw INF/P/C, Tarynn Vorhes P/INF, Rayne Oakes OF/INF, Arya Sneary OF/INF, Abbi Brown INF/P, Grace Kelly OF, Kylee McGinnis INF/OF/P.
Coach’s outlook: “We’ll have a bullpen of five, a tough lineup, and speed on the bases, along with the ability to play multiple positions. We also have a strong freshman class joining our seasoned upper-classmen who all strive to get better each day. Our plans are to see a lot of growth and good things this year and hopefully start building for the years to come.”
