Despite changes, mission remains the same for Generals
It’s been a summer of change for the Heritage softball program.
Not only did the team graduate six key seniors who played big parts in Heritage’s three consecutive Class AAAA state championships, the team also saw assistant coach Megan Crawford become the new head coach after Tanner Moore stepped down following the end of the 2020 campaign.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the Generals’ commitment to excellence.
“We’ve had a target on our backs the last two or three years now, but these are girls are ready for it,” Crawford said. “They expect it and we’re going to take the opportunity and just play our game. We’re just going to take care of ourselves and not worry about others.”
Crawford, who is the fourth head coach in the program’s history, said it’s been a little different, going from an assistant’s role to the one calling the shots.
“I think they’ve learned about me and I have a foot forward as to who they are as ball players,” she added. “I know their strengths and weaknesses, so I have that advantage. I’m able to kind of take what we’ve done in the past and kind of build on their strengths as ball players.
“My role has changed just like some of their roles have changed. We graduated six seniors, so we have new leadership, both from a coaching standpoint and from a player’s standpoint. I think we’re kind of on this journey together to see which way we’re going to go now.”
Crawford will happily welcome back six seniors to the 2021 roster, led by two that have already committed to playing college ball at Chattanooga.
Shortstop Zoe Wright was first team All-Region and second team All-State after hitting .421 with 28 RBIs and 38 runs scored a season ago. Meanwhile, centerfielder Riley Kokinda was a first team All-Region and a first team All-State pick. She batted a team-high .512 with 26 RBIs, 34 runs scored and 20 stolen bases.
There is another All-Region and All-State first team selection behind the plate as Madeline Stone is coming off a junior season that saw her hit .414 with 35 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits. One of her battery mates, pitcher Brinley Horner, is also back after winning six games last year and striking out 23 batters in 48 innings.
The class is rounded out with outfielder-turned-infielder Gracie Dawson (28 runs scored in 2020), who has developed into a slaphitter to take advantage of her speed, and outfielder Adie Ball. Ball was forced to miss all of last season, but batted .414 in 15 games as a sophomore.
“I’m just really excited to
see them step up into leadership roles on the field and off the field,” Crawford added.
Junior outfielder Savannah Wilson (.367 average, 32 runs scored) and junior utility player Lexi Duckett (.347, seven doubles, 16 RBIs) were both All-Region honorable mention selections a year ago, while the final junior,
outfielder Jessica Gibson, is healed up from a sophomore year injury and ready to show her skills.
There is also some good experience returning in the sophomore class between pitchers Kelsey Anderson (seven wins, 2.66 ERA) and Avah Morrison (one win, 17.2 innings pitched). Morrison can play other positions, if needed, while utility player Harper Carstens and backup catcher Abbie Young will provide valuable depth.
The future of the Heritage program will be represented this year by a quartet of freshmen, featuring outfielder Jenna Ryans, corner infielder Macie Collins, lefthanded pitcher Zoe Hendricks and righty Addie Edwards, who is also a versatile utility player in addition to her work in the circle.
Courtney Crawford is back for her fifth season as an assistant with the program, while pitching coach Taylor West will return for her fourth
season. The new face on the bench will be Stephen Gaylor, who served as an assistant with the Heritage baseball team this past spring.
The new head coach said that while her team has some good power throughout the lineup, Heritage fans can expect to see some small ball as well.
“I think each game is going to be different for us, but this is a unique team,” she said. “We have a lot of team speed and just a lot
of athleticism. We have a bunch of girls that are just athletes.”
Crawford said staying healthy would be a big key for her team, as well as establishing a team identity.
“We’re going into a transition phase with what this group of veteran players can do because it’s their turn now” she said. “Some of them have been through two or three of our state championships and had parts in that success, so we have to
find out what their legacy is going to be.”
Crawford also added that she was “excited” to be leading the Navy-and-White.
“I love the school,” she said. “I’ve kind of established this is as my home now and I’m glad to be here. Our administration is great over here. I love these girls, this program and this community, so it means a lot (to be the head coach). I’m just grateful for this opportunity.”