The OCHS softball team is adding six freshmen to the roster this season, to go with nine returning starters and four returners. Many of the players can play multiple positions, which adds to the team’s depth.
Head coach Brianna Dickens is going into her seventh season with the Patriots and is excited to build a lineup, but said it may take time to see what truly works.
“I think the biggest thing for us is kind of having a few kids step up and really take ownership of what they're doing, their position and having that confidence in themselves,” she said.
The Patriots have played in summer scrimmages against East Jackson and Thomson, and Dickens has been “sending out a different set of kids” every game so that she can evaluate the best lineup options.
She said she has a strong group of players, especially with seniors Reese Campbell and Carolyn Barner. Campbell serves as pitcher and Barner is the catcher, however, both players can “really play anywhere,” Dickens said.
Campbell, who also plays shortstop, middle infield and outfield when needed, has the athleticism and knowledge required to succeed in the game. Dickens said she pitched almost every inning for the Patriots last season.
“She’s been really reliable,” Dickens said. “She’s going to give us a chance to win every game.”
Campbell knows that with all of the freshmen coming in, she has to be one of the team leaders. Freshmen Rylee Stanley, Haleigh Baker and Deven Weaver can also pitch, which will “hopefully alleviate some innings” for Campbell, said Dickens.
“I really like to help them,” Campbell said. “When they’re pitching, I can see if they’re doing something wrong (and) can help them.”
Barner also pitches and plays first base when needed. Along with Campbell, she wants to set an example for the underclassmen so that they can lead the team when the time comes.
“(I want to) show them how to be the best version of themselves and tell them ‘you’re at that position for a reason, and you’re here for a reason,’” she said.
The varsity and junior varsity teams have been practicing together three to four days a week throughout the summer. Dickens said the attendance has been great, with at least 15 of 19 players at each practice. The players have been running drills, working on defense, hitting, pitching and lifting.
Head baseball coach Mike Campbell and Ben Beasley, who also assists with baseball, will help Dickens this season.
Regular season practice starts on Aug. 1. It won’t vary greatly from summer practice, just more challenging and competitive, Dickens said.
The Patriots will look to improve on their 13-13 record and their fifth-place finish in Region 8-A Division I last season.
“You kind of have to have short term memory in this sport,” she said. “Errors are going to happen. (You have to) keep your mind composed and move on from those moments.”
Both Campbell and Barner said the players have to work on their communication skills and team chemistry. Campbell said the team tries to bond outside of practice as much as they can.
“We need to communicate better on the field (and) build friendships on the field and off the field,” Barner said.
The Patriots start their season at Lincoln County on Aug. 5. Dickens said she continues to tell her players that “everybody has an opportunity” to make the starting lineup, so they need to be mentally and physically consistent.
“You may feel overwhelmed, but softball should be a place for two hours a day (where) you get to come and have fun and enjoy being around your friends playing a sport you love,” she said.