By Marilyn Miller
If having a new softball complex can raise the morale of a bunch of athletes playing the sport, then the Minden High School team shouldn’t lose a game this year. Because the new arena would make anyone proud. AND, according to MHS Softball Coach Shelby Leach, “I’ve seen a whole lot of softball in my life, and I know we’ve (the team) got good bones.”
“The talent is there,” she continued. “We haven’t had the opportunity to see how we will perform against other teams, but we will see that today. I’m excited…ready to get going.”
The girl’s junior varsity squad will square off against Benton in a scrimmage game this evening at 4 p.m. at the new Tide softball complex. The MHS varsity softball team will take on Benton at 5:30 in the second scrimmage.
“Benton has always been good,” Coach Leach said. “They always run a good program. Their (usual) starting pitcher (Anna Defee) is good, too. My ball players know her and respect her talent.”
Coach Leach will probably start Senior pitcher Kiley Ryan, who signed with Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, TX in November 2023. Kiley throws in the upper 50s and has a “wicked” curve ball. Leach does, however, have some depth in her pitching staff, so that could change. “Our approach will be to keep the batters off-balance,” she said. “We have a Freshman coming in who we’ll utilize. She’s working on her fast ball.” Minden’s catcher, Jacey Adams, has also signed to play in the Fall, with Baton Rouge Community College.
As for who will start tonight, that’s up in the air, because 27 athletes have gone out for softball this year, and “we have great kids we can work into our schedule…this roster has great depth.”
Along with Ryan and Adams, the roster is as follows: Belle Douglass, Lindsay Ryan, Leigha Kennon-Gilbert, Nola Lange, Charli Flournoy, Kaydree Kemp, Tatum Oliver, Sky Savage, Alisianna McBride, Roikia Dotie, Raegan Lachney, Aaliyah Garrett, Kae Williams, Joslyn Rabb, Tatum Miller, Lizzie Balkom, Ta’Kyjia Robinson, Dixie Slater, Brooklyn Edwards, Reese Miller, Gracie Sparks, Synyiah Rabb, Annabelle Toland, Saniya Morris, and Nevaeh Thomas.
So, does having a second-to-none softball complex boost a player’s morale?
“Yes, it has,” Coach Leach assured. “When I came here in 2021, they (school board) told me that we were going to have a full-service complex built. In August of 2022, they broke ground and everything was amped up as far as what we have here. The team had 5 wins the year I came. My first year, we had 18 wins. So, yeah, it’s been incredible.”
“I have coached at the college level, community college level, and in the administrative side of sports…and it is a completely different beast what support we get. I get overwhelmed. I’ve never had to ask for help. The field is just the icing on the cake. There’s no way to describe it…I love my job!”
The MHS Softball Team Booster Club was formed at the end of December 2023. It meets the first Monday of each month.
“We’re looking for people who want to be a part of the club,” Coach Leach said. “We’ll take anything as far as donations go…anything…a dollar will help.”
There is a membership fee. Brandi Ryan is club president.
According to Coach Leach, the boosters have already gone “above and beyond” outfitting the complex, especially the concession stand. Monetary donations have come in to purchase items that haven’t been donated, which include a pop corn machine, croc pot, and ice machine. Call Minden High School to find out contact numbers.
The 2024 “Rise of the Tide” Softball Jamboree will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10 beginning at 12 noon at the MHS Softball Complex. Teams taking part are Minden, Doyline, Lakeside, Summerfield, and North Webster. Gate admission is $8; children five and under are free. The field is located at 109 Clerk Street, directly behind the former Lowe Jr. High School.
