Head coach for the Stillwater Pioneers Karie Linsenmeyer knows that this year’s team might struggle through growing pains to begin the season. “Our team lost some very talented seniors that will be playing college softball in the fall,” Linsenmeyer said. “We will be young in the circle and behind the plate but should be solid on defense and productive in the batter’s box. Our hope is this team will learn, grow, and be at their best in October.”
Last year Stillwater made it to the semifinal round of the Class 6A playoffs and hope to make another run into the postseason in 2022. Cashia Herber (SS/U, Sr.) is the leadoff batter for Stillwater. “Hitting leadoff is a lot of pressure, but that’s what I love about it, “Herber said. “The leadoff matters in how the game gets started. If I get on, there’s a better chance of us scoring that inning and getting the game going.” As a senior, Herber is a VYPE Top 100 Nominee, team leader, and plans on playing softball in college. She currently has an offer to Pitt State and is receiving interest from a few other schools going into her senior year.
“This season is going to be a lot different than last year,” Herber said. “Our team is the complete opposite of what it was, but I cannot wait to get back on the field with my girls. If we all work as one and put in the effort, we could beat anyone. I’m ready to work our way to state again this year!” Herber will be joined by her younger sister, an incoming freshman, and starting pitcher for the Pioneers, Audrina Herber (P, Fr.), a righthander with lots of potential. Although she has yet to play at the high school level, she has already made an impression on coaches, with pitching speeds reaching nearly 65 MPH. The sky’s the limit for Herber as she continues to train with the Pioneer coaching staff and adapt to the high school game.
Kaylee Linsenmeyer (CF, UT, Sr.) is an all-around athlete that will provide solid, tremendous defense and a spark at the plate. She leads by example and has the skill and confidence to play college softball next year. Power hitter Maggie Glasgow (OF, UT, Sr.) doesn’t shy away from the big moment and always comes through in the clutch. Coaches expect her to have a big offensive year while also utilizing her speed and reaction time in the outfield. Lorelei Holt (C, OF, Sr.) took a year off from softball, but returns and is once again everyone’s number one fan and the ultimate leader. A positive force on and off the field, Alexus Elnes-Merriott (1B, 3B, Jr.) is willing to do anything for her teammates. She brings versatility to the field and coaches are excited to see how she performs this fall.
Other players to look for include Haile Allgood (OF, So.), Addyson Brown (3B, Jr.), Ally Aguilar (2B, OF, Fr.), Bela Coca (3B, So.), Calle Cox (C, Fr.), Raycye Fipps (UT, So.), Kennedy Goodwin (SS, OF, Fr.), Maggie Glasgow (OF, UT, Sr.), Iris Turner (OF, 2B, So.), Katelynn Gorton (C, 1B, So.), Audrina Herber (P, Fr.), Zolie Kurena (U, So.), Brittani Murray (P/1B, So.), Kylie Turner (OF, Jr.), Madalynn Shotwell (1B, P, Jr.), and Camryn Westbrook (OF, So.).
