Last year’s district champion softball team is back at Parkway South this fall. This year’s team brings back much experience from 2014, and some very exciting new talent to the roster.

The biggest change to the softball team is a new coach in 2015. Marvin Medcalf who is entering his first season at Parkway South as the varsity manager, and he is assisted by Joe Rhodes and Dave McFarland.

Assistant coach Joe Rhodes said he is excited to begin the 2015 season, and thinks this team can be very competitive, and build on the accomplishments from 2014.

“Our goals for the team is to always develop good character for the girls. As for competitively, we would like to repeat as district champions, and reach sectionals again,” said Rhodes.

This year’s team returns six seniors to the varsity team, and one of them is pitcher Kaylie Wurdack, said she is very excited for the year to begin.

“As a senior I’m looking forward to continuing the Parkway South tradition. Our goals are to compete in every game this year, and repeat as district champions,” said Wurdack.

Another returning senior to this year’s squad is Savanna Rowe, and she said she is very excited to be back with her team to contend for another successful season.

“I am most excited to be back together with the team, and I can’t wait to see what we can do together. As for competitively, we would like to win districts again and go farther than last year,” said Rowe.

Rowe is also confident that the Patriots star pitcher can help lead them far this year.

“A very big key returning player is Kaylie Wurdack, she is our stud pitcher,” said Rowe.

Another headline for this year’s team is freshman Lauren Kehlenbrink, who is the Patriot’s catcher. Kehlenbrink will be expected to contribute to varsity from the beginning of the season, and will be a big part of this 2015 team.

This year’s softball team will be something big to look out for this fall, and the Patriots are planning on winning districts again and reaching sectionals. The squad is also very determined to go farther in sectionals and playoffs.

Key returning players: Karlee Kramer, Savanna Rowe, Jessica Kirk, Kaylie Wurdack, Sierra Wilkison, Kay Bettendorf

Newcomers expected to contribute: Lauren Kehlenbrink, Katy Moran, Kristen Eads

Toughest Matchups: Lafayette, Eureka