Stars' coach looks to next season
A strong finish propelled SouthArk softball into the regional tournament in its inaugural season. The Stars fell to SAU Tech 17-11 to end the year with a 6-28 record.
Coach Bethany Barcroft covered a lot of ground in one softball season. The first-year head coach took the job and started the program in the spring of 2021.
“It was a wonderful experience to have at such a young age,” said Barcroft. “I cannot thank my girls enough for standing by me. I love, support and appreciate every one of them. I grew along with them. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the program in its first year. I think my girls who are returning would agree that it was all worth it.”
Barcroft expects seven players from this year's roster to return next season - Janasia Jones, Jadelyn Snider, Gracie Stokes, Raytisha Jackson, Jill Tissue, Makenna Denofrio and Tiara Jefferson.
“My returners are ready for next season. They learned this season what it takes to win,” said Barcroft. “I am excited to watch them lead this coming fall and grow into the wonderful young women I know they are. Next year will be one to remember along with this past season.”
The coach said she's pretty much finished with recruiting for next season's team with 13 new players.
“I'm not against adding anyone but it would have to be a perfect fit for what our goals are for next year.”
The 2022 signing class includes: Alyssa Nealy, Alyssa Norris, Ella Floyd, Emma McKenzie, Gabbi Kelly (Smackover), Gabby Bruce, Jaden Boydstun, Kassidy McJunkins, Kiara Moore, Landry Price, Olivia Munn, Peyton McCloskey and Tia Malmay.
“I really focused on finding an ace pitcher and a really tight middle infield pair for this next season,” Barcroft said.
For the Stars, numbers proved a near-fatal flaw in their debut season. That should've been addressed in recruiting. Barcroft said the lack of numbers this season probably impacted her coaching.
“I am typically a very aggressive coach. I played it safe a lot this year but I had to because of numbers,” she said. “So I guess the lesson was just allow myself to be myself.”
The players will be limited to working out on their own and doing their own individual practices during the off-season. When the second preseason begins, Barcroft will look forward to more on-thefield coaching rather than new program paperwork.
But, speaking of off the field, the Tennessee native said the program was welcomed by the community. She hopes Stars' softball created a foothold in El Dorado, Union County and South Arkansas.
“We had wonderful support this year,” she said. “I think for it to be built, it is going to take time. As the program grows, I feel as if the support, as a whole, will grow too.”