In some ways, the Heritage Christian Academy softball program is starting over again. For the first time in 21 years, there is a new person in charge of the Lady Warrior dugout, and she will inherit a young squad for 2019.
Former Lady Warrior player Jenna Gray replaces headmaster Linda Garris, who stepped down as head coach after she started the HCA program in 1997. Gray’s first team has only three upperclassmen and six middle schoolers.
Senior Carol Mitchell returns to HCA after two seasons at Trigg County. She was a member of HCA’s state championship team in 2015. Mitchell takes over in the circle from All-Region pitcher Nicole Holland.
Kinley Deason returns to a retooled infield. She will play shortstop and will be expected to anchor the infield defense. Eighth grader Chloe Ginn will take over at third base and see some time behind the plate. Sixth grader Madison Kemp will also see time behind the plate as the Lady Warriors look to replace Kaitlyn Kaetzel, who transferred to Hopkinsville High over the summer.
Sophomore Kylee Spurr will play first base, and the outfield rotation will include Liberty Hartsell, Kennedy Hughes, Harley Gibson, Jordan Trumble, and Kate Roebuck.
Former HCA players Katy Ward and Grace Waldron will assist Gray with the coaching duties.
Heritage Christian is a young team that will improve as the season goes on. While it may be a stretch for the Lady Warriors to get back to the KCAA State Championship game for a sixth straight year, they may surprise some people by the time the postseason arrives.