QuikReader

QuikReader

  • Latest
  • Top stories
  • Business
  • Tech
  • World
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Science
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Sources
Sign in
  1. Sports
  2. Sources
  3. Yahoo Sports
  4. Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

2025 Marion-area softball preview capsules: A closer look at all 10 teams

Here is a capsule look at the Marion-area's 10 high school softball teams heading into the 2025 season:

Cardington

  • Conference: Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Baylee Adams (second season, 16-6).
  • Assistant coaches: Allen Adams, Joel Partlow.
  • Last year: 16-6.
  • Tournament division: VI.
  • Roster: Abigail Hardwick (Sr., infield, left-handed), Alexis Longsdorf (So., shortstop/outfield, LH, second-team KMAC, .466 batting average, .530 on-base, 35 hits, 11 RBI), Ava Davis (Jr., IF, right-handed, .250, .400 on-base), Hailey Littlemeyer (Jr., IF, RH, .286, .394 on-base), Celia Hall (So., OF, LH, HM KMAC, .394, .453 on-base, 26 hits), Myleigh Bishop (Jr., OF, RH, .333, .412 on-base, 20 hits, 16 RBI), Chloe Nida (Sr., OF, RH, .250, .455 on-base), Morgan Powell (Sr., OF, RH, second-team KMAC, .406, .494 on-base, 26 hits, 25 RBI), Riley Bierl (Fr., IF, LH), Madison Toombs (Fr., OF, RH), Bristial Cain (Fr., IF, RH), Rylee Donkin (Sr., catcher, RH), Madison Dornon (Jr., OF, RH, .320, .485 on-base), Ari Simpson (Sr., pitcher/IF, RH, first-team KMAC, HM Central District, .493, .543 on-base, 34 hits, 5 home runs, 29 RBI).
  • Notebook: The Pirates will be quick in the infield and feature solid hitters at the plate … They lack pitching depth … Freshmen may be needed to fill roles in the lineup … Overall team speed is a concern … They graduated multi-time All-Ohio pitcher Genevieve Longsdorf as well as Abigail Ufferman … Adams said the goals remain the same at Cardington and that’s to compete for the KMAC and district championships.

Last year's best softball players: All-Marion Star Softball Honors: Who were the top honorees and first- and second-team?

More softball: River Valley's Phil Shepler retiring after 280 softball wins, five league championships

Cardington's Ariana Simpson is one of the area's top softball returnees for 2025.

Elgin

  • Conference: Northwest Central Conference.
  • Coach: Wendy Muselin (264-273)
  • Assistant coaches: Summer Tidd, Kelly Creviston, Mackenzie Corbin.
  • Last year: 8-17, 6-2.
  • Tournament division: VI.
  • Roster: Emilie Bishop (Sr., C/third base/SS, RH, letter, HM NWCC), Addison Clevenger (Sr., OF/first base, RH, letter), Chloe Atha (Jr., OF, RH, letter), Miley Corbin (Jr., 3B/1B/P, RH, letter), Madison Hill (Jr., P/SS/OF, RH, letter, first-team NWCC, HM Central District), Kendall Allen (So., 1B/P, RH), Kaylee Crist (So., 2B/OF, RH, letter), Gracelyn Edmonstone (So., 3B/SS/C, RH, letter), Cadence Metzger (So., SS/2B/OF, RH, letter), Cadence Metzger (So., SS/2B/OF, RH, letter), Mayce Muselin (So., OF/SS/2B, throw right, bats left, letter, HM NWCC).
  • Notebook: The Comets bring back five starters after the graduation of Ava Baker, Gracie Isler, Katie Penry and another player who is not playing this year … The five returnees have experience they can share with the newer and younger players … They are a versatile team … The Comets are willing to do what is best for the team by learning new positions … They need to work through their mental and physical errors and become more consistent … Elgin wants to challenge Ridgedale, Waynesfield-Goshen and North Baltimore atop the NWCC standings.

Elgin's Madison Hill was a first-team pick in the Northwest Central Conference last year.

Highland

  • Conference: Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Abby Steele (fourth season, 37-33).
  • Assistant coaches: Gar Keen, Steward Squires, Guinevere Jackson, Cait Nelson.
  • Last year: 5-16.
  • Tournament division: IV.
  • Roster: Nevaeh DeWeese (Fr.), Aubree Bellamy (Sr., letter), Hallie Pruett (So.), Braylin Romshak (Fr.), Bryleigh Young (Sr., letter), Kate Clements (Jr., letter), Amber Walker (So.), Lydia Shaffer (So., letter), Dalaynie Hernandez (So., letter), Jossalyn Varney (Jr.), Saylor Squires (Fr.), Camryn Kline (Fr.), Maddy Stuckman (So.).
  • Notebook: The Scots bring back seven letter winners … They have leadership and stability … The team will work to develop the younger talent … The Scots feel they have a lot of potential with the players eager to prove themselves at the varsity level … They want to be a contender in the MOAC and the Central District.

Marion Harding

  • Conference: Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Joe Biederman (first season).
  • Assistant coach: Rose Cunningham.
  • Last year: 6-15.
  • Tournament division: III.
  • Roster: Kameron Biederman (Sr., SS, RH, first-team MOAC, .429, 24 hits, 15 RBI, 2 HR, 23 runs), Raina Smith (Sr., LF/1B, RH, second-team MOAC, .351, 20 hits, 15 RBI, 20 R), Abbey Hoertz (Sr., 2B/OF, bats left, throws right, .226, 10 RBI, 17 R), Addyson Myers (Sr., OF/2B, RH, .295, 15 RBI), Kaydance Hall (Sr., OF, RH, .182), Rylee McKinniss (Sr., C/1B, RH, .176, 9 R), Macey Harper (So., 1B/OF, RH, .222, 15 RBI), Aleena Davis (So., C/3B, RH, .286), Lilliana King (So., OF, LH, letter), Karisma Brown (Jr., 3B/OF, letter), Allison Hecker (Fr., P/2B, RH), Paytn Smith (Fr., P/3B, RH).
  • Notebook: The Presidents have good senior leaders who have played a lot of softball together … Hoertz is playing softball at Heidelberg and Biederman will play at Otterbein … They have 10 letter winners back … The numbers are down, so one injury could be hard on the team … They will use two young pitchers this year in Hecker and Paytn Smith, so playing solid defense will be important … They lost Janaiyne Braddy, who threw 80 percent of their innings, to graduation, and all-leaguer Destiny Brown has transferred to Pleasant. 

Marion Harding's Kameron Biederman is a senior for he Presidents and will play softball next year at Otterbein.

Mount Gilead

  • Conference: Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Morgan Dettra (third season, 10-34).
  • Assistant coaches: Phil Heacock, Raygan Ciballi, Molly Harr.
  • Last year: 7-15, 0-9.
  • Tournament division: VI.
  • Roster: Savannah Wilt (Sr., IF/P, RH, letter, .353), Trinity Schrote (Sr., OF, RH, letter, .256), Lindsey Ayers (Jr., IF, RH, letter, .220), Hayleigh Brown (Jr., IF/P, letter, .200), Anavey Jodrey (So., IF/P, RH, letter, .418, 85 strikeouts, 9.18 ERA, HM KMAC and Central District), Kamryn Harris (So., IF/C, RH, letter, .217), Aris Creasap (So., OF, RH, letter, .238), Kylie Rigdon (So., IF/P, RH, letter), Kloe Griffin (So., OF/C, RH), Darby Allen (Fr., OF/IF/P, RH), Alexis Shears (Jr., IF, RH), Camilla Soares De Souza (Jr., U, RH).
  • Notebook: Mount Gilead returns eight letter winners … It has girls who are willing to play any position that is needed … They are still young and lack depth … They graduated all-league and district performers Greer Simpson and Kierra Main … The goal is to be competitive in the KMAC and win more games than last year.

Northmor

  • Conference: Knox Morrow Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Matt Wiseman (sixth season, 59-47).
  • Assistant coaches: Tidus Kissling, Jake Ulrey, Ashley Cooper, Lily Tate.
  • Last year: 14-11, 3-7.
  • Tournament division: V.
  • Roster: Shelby Cooper (Jr., P/3B/OF, throws right, bats left, two letters, .366, .409 on-base, 13 RBI, 20 R, 10 stolen bases, 11-5 pitching record, 87 innings pitched, 86 strikeouts, 43 walks, 3.84 ERA, HM KMAC, second-team Central District), Kate Kissling (Sr., 3B/P, three letters, RH, .466, .567 on-base, 11 doubles, 17 RBI, 21 R, first-team KMAC, HM Central District), Kallie Wright (So., CF, letter, LH, .436, .512 on-base, 5 doubles, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 25 R, 7 SB, second-team KMAC), Reagan See (Sr., OF/3B, RH, three letters, .203, .266 on-base, 10 R), Alexis See (Sr., C, RH, two letters, .214), Katalina Roseberry (Sr., 2B/SS, RH, switch hitter, .236, .357 on-base, 14 SB, 8 RBI), Madilyn See (So., 1B/C, RH, letter, .173), Madison May (Sr., OF, RH, letter, .231, 14 R), Ava Walters (So., P/2B/SS, throws right, bats left), Saleen Miller (So., 1B/3B, RH), Riley Cooper (Fr., SS/2B, RH), Lynnlee Weaver (Fr., 2B/OF, RH), Hailey Stuff (Fr., C/3B, RH), Macy Miller (Sr., OF, RH), Kali Amens (Fr., OF/SS, RH), Briez Adams (Sr., OF, RH).
  • Notebook: The Golden Knights return eight letter winners, so they have depth and a competitive atmosphere around the team … Shelby Cooper in the circle, Wright in center and Kissling at third base will be the leaders … The team needs to believe in itself … They graduated an All-Ohioan in Maddie Simpson and their shortstop on Raelyn Fulk, along with Brooke Kissling and Saje Miley … Second-team KMAC performer Mahaila Strobel is injured … They lack power, but have speed in the lineup … The Knights want to compete with Danville, Fredericktown, Cardington and Loudonville for the top of the league … They also want to beat the school record for wins, which is 16.

North Union

  • Conference: Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division.
  • Coach: Pat Grove (second season, 14-14).
  • Assistant coaches: Madison Price, Catie Pelfrey.
  • Last year: 14-14, 7-9.
  • Tournament division: V.
  • Roster: Kaitlin McElroy (So., C/SS, second-team CBC and Central District, .420, .490 on-base, 27 hits, 23 R, 17 SB), Brenna Martino (Sr., P/1B, 2-2 pitching, 16 strikeouts, 3.89 ERA), Eulaela Colwell (So., OF/P), Rylee Fox (So., 2B, .241, .333 on-base), Cat Hinkle (Sr., IF, .278, .364 on-base), Hazlee Hall (Fr., IF/OF), Sierra Farrington (Jr., OF/P, .229, .341 on-base), Emma McElroy (Jr., RF, .273, .314 on-base, 18 hits, 10 runs), Kale Keigley (Jr., CF, first-team CBC, .438, .500 on-base, 35 hits, 19 R, 8 doubles, 12 RBI, 16 SB), Josie Held (So., IF), Kennedy Harrah (Jr., SS, first-team CBC and Central District, .422, .454 on-base, 38 hits, 30 R, 11 RBI, 19 SB), Leah Cox (Fr., P/IF), Caralyn Hinkle (So., IF).
  • Notebook: The Wildcats bring back speed, plus good play in the outfield and middle infield … A concern is pitching depth after the graduation of all-leaguer Reese DeCamp … They also must replace Emma Padavano, Savannah Queen, Ryleigh Rasey and Zoe Wedding who all graduated … Grove said the goal is to win the Mad River Division.

Pleasant

  • Conference: Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Mike Lindsey (first season, eighth overall).
  • Assistant coaches: Joe Robinson, Kyla Davenport, Tori Krawskie.
  • Last year: 11-17, 5-9.
  • Tournament division: VI.
  • Roster: Isabella Adkins (Sr., OF), Madi Pendleton (Sr., OF/3B), Sydney Smith (Sr., 2B), Nicole Robinson (Sr., OF), Brooklyn Hohler (Jr., utility), Mackenzie Patterson (Jr., C/2B), Destiny Brown (So., OF, played at Marion Harding last year), Jaydan Gifford (So., C/OF), Peyton Simpkins (So., 3B/P), Faith Staley (So., P, first-team MOAC), Siri Veladanda (So., OF), Quinn Wilson (So., 1B/P).
  • Notebook: Lindsey was the head softball coach at Marion Harding earlier in his career before becoming Pleasant’s athletic director … The Spartans have good senior leaders and a good pitcher returning … The team’s hitting could be strong … They graduated a pair of All-MOAC picks in Katie Jordan and Hannah Miller, so they need to replace them at centerfield and catcher … The sophomores will be battling for starting positions … The Spartans hope to compete in the MOAC with Shelby, Clear Fork and River Valley.

Faith Staley is back for Pleasant after an all-league season as a freshman last year.

Ridgedale

  • Conference: Northwest Central Conference.
  • Coach: Georgie Stacy (first season).
  • Assistant coaches: Tam Rossey, Jerry Delaney, Austin Riegel.
  • Last year: 14-3, 8-0.
  • Tournament division: VII.
  • Roster: Shyla Belford (Fr., OF/3B, RH), Taylor Bouohom (Sr., CF, LH, .435, HM NWCC), Alexis Burton (Sr., C/U, throws right, bats left, .551, first-team NWCC, HM Central District), Kenzie Delaney (Sr., P/U, .717, 2.03 ERA, 11-2, NWCC Player of the Year, first-team Central District, HM All-Ohio), Riley Delaney (Jr., 3B/SS, RH, .419, HM NWCC), Tia Fultz (Fr., P/1B, RH), Alexa Garnes (Sr., 2B/OF, RH, .326), Karmandi Huffman (Fr., OF/C, RH), Karlie Jennings (Fr., OF/C, RH), Abbi Manley (Fr., OF, RH), Trysten Miller (Fr., C/OF, RH), Hannah Murphy (Jr., OF/MIF, RH), Audra Rush (So., OF/2B, .360), Brenda Scott (Sr., 1B/U, RH, .354), Amelia Shaffer (Fr., OF/1B, RH), Andie Shumaker (Fr., 1B/3B/OF, RH), Jillian Slaughterbeck (Fr., MIF/OF, RH), Addy Thomas (So., OF, RH, .333).
  • Notebook: The Rockets are loaded with experience as eight letter winners return … They also bring back the reigning Marion Star Softball Player of the Year in Kenzie Delaney … Riegel, who was the head coach last year, remains on the staff … They are the defending NWCC champs.

Ridgedale catcher Alexis Burton is back for a fourth season after batting .551 last year.

River Valley

  • Conference: Mid Ohio Athletic Conference.
  • Coach: Emily Clark-Lindsey (first season; third season overall, 36-8).
  • Assistant coach: Courtney Kelley.
  • Last year: 15-8, 9-5.
  • Tournament division: IV.
  • Roster: Chloe Addis (Fr., C/SS, RH), Brooke Adams (Jr., OF, RH), Maddy Snyder (So., 1B/P, RH), Olivia Collins (Jr., U, RH), Kameron Fowler (Jr., OF, RH), Emersyn Isom (Fr., IF, RH), Harper Rogers (Fr., U, LH), Samantha Woods (Jr., U, RH, first-team MOAC, second-team Central District), Addi Braun (Sr., IF, RH, HM MOAC), Alexis Williams (Sr., OF, RH), Olivia Spires (Sr., 3B, RH), Sidney Street (Sr., P/IF, RH, HM MOAC and Central District), Kylie Estep (So., P/IF, RH, played at Pleasant last year)
  • Notebook: Clark-Lindsey coached at her alma mater for two seasons at North Union … She played softball at Ohio State … She takes over for longtime RV coach Phil Shepler who retired … The Vikings are young, but also experienced … They have versatile pitchers and infielders … There will be several new faces on the roster, so the upperclassmen need to be leaders … RV wants to average less than one error a game and have a .310 team batting average … The coach sees Shelby, Clear Fork and Ontario as the favorites, and she thinks the Vikes can fit in with those teams … They lost an All-Ohio pitcher in Lanie Wooten plus Bentley Auld and Delaney Myers … The buy-in from the team to a new coach has been good, according to Clark-Lindsey.

Samantha Woods, one of the area's top batters a year ago, returns for River Valley.

rmccurdy@gannett.com

419-610-0998

X @McMotorsport

Instagram @rob_mccurdy_star

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: 2025 softball preview capsules: A look at all 10 Marion-area teams

Read more at Yahoo Sports
  Save story

Topics

  • Softball
  • High School
  • Teams
  • Season
  • School

Related

  • 2025 Softball Preview: Questions to be answered by Marion-area teams this season

    2025 Softball Preview: Questions to be answered by Marion-area teams this season

    Here are some questions that will be answered during the 2025 high school softball season for Marion-area teams.
    Yahoo Sports - 5h

  • Rick Armstrong’s top 10 softball teams and 25 players to watch in the Aurora-Elgin area for 2025 season

    St. Charles North looks to defend Class 4A state title, but talented Oswego will push again. Top 10 Teams 1. St. Charles North (26-6) Pitcher Paige Murray, who went 19-5, and outfielder Mackenzie ...
    Yahoo Sports - 2d
  • At the plate and on the mound: Softball photos from Marion County high schools

    At the plate and on the mound: Softball photos from Marion County high schools

    We looked back to the early 2000s and found high school softball photos the jog some memories.
    Yahoo Sports - 5h
  • Marion Star Preseason Softball Player of the Year Poll: You pick the winner for 2025

    Marion Star Preseason Softball Player of the Year Poll: You pick the winner for 2025

    With the 2025 high school softball season starting this weekend, it’s time to ask readers who they think the preseason player of the year should be.
    Yahoo Sports - 5h

  • West Texas, San Angelo-area high school softball schedule, scores and top players March 17-22

    The West Texas, Concho Valley and San Angelo-area high school softball regular season rolls on. Here are the schedules, scores and top players this week.
    Yahoo Sports - 2d
  • Richland County Softball Preseason Power Poll provides insight into upcoming 2025 season

    Richland County Softball Preseason Power Poll provides insight into upcoming 2025 season

    Welcome to the 2025 high school softball season.
    Yahoo Sports - 5h

  • Here's what's on deck for Gastonia, Shelby high school baseball, softball this week

    Here are games to watch for Gastonia, Shelby area high school baseball and softball going into the week of March 17-22.
    Yahoo Sports - 2d
  • Beaver Valley boys high school volleyball: Which area team has been shot at making playoffs?

    Beaver Valley boys high school volleyball: Which area team has been shot at making playoffs?

    With the WPIAL boys high school volleyball season getting underway, here is a look at the Beaver Valley teams set to compete this season.
    Yahoo Sports - 2d

  • CWU softball to face NW Nazarene at Frederick Field

    Mar. 14—ELLENSBURG — The Central Washington University Softball Team is looking towards a big weekend as they welcome the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks for their home-opening series of the 2025 ...
    Yahoo Sports - 4d

More from Yahoo Sports

  • Oklahoma Sooners in the rankings after sweep of Arkansas in SEC play

    A look at where the Oklahoma Sooners rank in the major polls after their three-game sweep of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
    Yahoo Sports - 17m

  • Oklahoma Sooners in the rankings after sweep of Arkansas in SEC play

    A look at where the Oklahoma Sooners rank in the major polls after their three-game sweep of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
    Yahoo Sports - 17m

  • How the Lakers' offense has changed since Luka Doncic's arrival

    Since Luka Doncic came to the Lakers, their offense has evolved by leaps and bounds, and they're only starting to tap into their potential.
    Yahoo Sports - 17m

  • How the Lakers' offense has changed since Luka Doncic's arrival

    Since Luka Doncic came to the Lakers, their offense has evolved by leaps and bounds, and they're only starting to tap into their potential.
    Yahoo Sports - 17m

  • Check the yardage book: Innisbrook's Copperhead Course for PGA Tour's Valspar Championship

    PuttView offers a detailed course guide for the PGA Tour's Valspar Championship at Innisbrook's Copperhead Course.
    Yahoo Sports - 17m

More in Sports

  • Play Connections: Sports Edition. Tackle Today’s Puzzle.

    Play Connections: Sports Edition. Tackle Today’s Puzzle.

    Group sports terms that share a common thread.
    The New York Times - 10m
  • The First Pick of the W.N.B.A. Draft Is Easy. Then the Questions Start.

    The First Pick of the W.N.B.A. Draft Is Easy. Then the Questions Start.

    Paige Bueckers is poised to be another No. 1 overall pick from UConn, a columnist for The Athletic writes.
    The New York Times - 10m
  • What Will the Giants Do if They Don’t Sign Aaron Rodgers?

    What Will the Giants Do if They Don’t Sign Aaron Rodgers?

    A Super Bowl champion could be New York’s best backup option.
    The New York Times - 10m
  • March Madness Might Belong to Cooper Flagg. The N.B.A. Draft Definitely Will.

    March Madness Might Belong to Cooper Flagg. The N.B.A. Draft Definitely Will.

    The Duke star isn’t the only player hoping to make an impression on teams in the N.C.A.A. tournament.
    The New York Times - 10m
  • Ranking the 50 Best Pitchers in M.L.B., Led by Six True Aces

    Ranking the 50 Best Pitchers in M.L.B., Led by Six True Aces

    The six elite arms range in age from Paul Skenes at 22 to Chris Sale at 36.
    The New York Times - 10m
© 2025 QuikReader - About - Terms - Privacy