Gordon Lee seniors looking to cement their mark

After nearly two decades at the helm of arguably the most successful fastpitch softball program in the history of the GHSA, not much takes head coach Dana Mull by surprise these days.

However, when told that this year’s senior class have a shot at a pretty remarkable school record, it did take her aback...but only slightly.

With a 95-5 overall record in the past three seasons, the seniors on this year’s squad have a chance to become the winningest senior class in the program’s history — in terms of winning percentage, no small feat when you consider the incredible records the Navy-and-white have compiled over the past decade.

The past eight senior classes at Gordon Lee have all posted no less than an .875 winning percentage every single season and five of those groups enjoyed an overall winning percentage between .900 and .949 during their high school playing careers with the Lady Trojans. Last year’s class (2019 season, Class of 2020) currently sits atop the table at .949 (129-7) for a four-year run.

It certainly won’t be an easy thing to pull off, given the overall strength of schedule that Mull puts together every fall. This year’s slate will include the likes of Northwest Whitfield, Calhoun, Lafayette and region foe Trion — last year’s state runner-up — along with what is sure to be solid competition at three in-season tournaments prior to the postseason. Depending on the number of games that they ultimately play this season, this year’s Lady Trojan team would most likely need to finish the season with just one loss for this year’s seniors to take over the alltime top spot.

But considering the past two years have seen Gordon Lee lose just one time each go-around, it’s not inconceivable that they could pull it off.

“I didn’t even realize that,” Mull admitted. “I know the last three years have been pretty special, but this senior class is a class that brings different kinds of experience. We have (some) four-year starters to some that are in their first year starting. They have different types of experience coming in, but they all know how to win.

“They’ve all been on these winning teams and I feel like they all are going to contribute this year. I think this class is ready to go out with a bang and make this year theirs.”

Senior Emma Minghini is coming off what Mull believes is her best season in the circle. The Georgia Tech commitment went 18-1 and won Class 1A Public School Pitcher of the Year honors after striking out 173 batters, against just 15 walks, in 103.1 innings of work with a 0.54 ERA. Another big year is expected from her, both in the circle and at the plate after she hit .426 with 10 doubles, 22 RBIS and 18 runs scored. She will continue to play first base when it’s not her turn to pitch.

Another senior coming off a monster year is outfielder Addison Sturdivant, last year’s Walker County Co-player of the Year. Sturdivant, who has spent the last couple of seasons making the transition to becoming a left-handed slap hitter to take advantage of her speed, put it all together with a .539 average, a homer, 21 RBIS, 46 runs scored and 30 stolen bases a year ago.

Ashlyn Schmidt made strides in her first year as the starting shortstop in 2019 and became an excellent defensive player for the Lady Trojans. She will also be counted on in her final year to add some punch to the offense after seeing limited at-bats a year ago, while veteran Jordan Dyer will step into the third base role this season. Dyer is proficient with the bat and will be counted on for offensive production this season.

Madison Farrow saw time as a utility player a season ago, mostly in the middle part of the infield, but will focus mostly at second base in her senior season. Mull is also hoping that Farrow can help drive in some runs, while the final senior, Sidney Gasaway, has done some pinch-hitting

GLHS,