The 2017 Trion Bulldogs Softball team is young but experienced, “we return 7 starters from a 20 win team that qualified for the Elite 8 and a trip Columbus Ga and eventually finished 5th in the State,” said Coach Jason Lanham. The team will be led by the two seniors, Shayla Youngblood and Josie Maddux.
“I’m extremely excited about this group of young ladies and the potential they possess. We have high expectations and look to maintain and build on what this team and program has became known for throughout the state, playing quality softball at a high level day in and day out. Our motto this year is Bulldog Tough, it is extremely hard work not just to maintain but to build on success, it takes a certain mental and physical toughness that I hope will be the calling card of this team” continued Lanham.
In the pitchers circle Whitney Shepherd will look to improve upon her very successful freshman campaign, “I’m extremely happy with her growth and maturity thus far, also new comer freshman Gretchen Clark will see time in the circle as well and give the lady dogs a nice one two punch”.
Returning 1st Team all region 6A sophomore catcher Shelby Carlock, “who has both a great work ethic and attitude that any coach would be proud of,” said Lanham.
Returning all state selection senior Shortstop Shayla Youngblood will be expected to anchor the infield and lead the offense with her tremendous speed. Also big things will be expected from returning Junior 1st baseman Darrain Jones whose game showed vast improvement during the second half of last season both in the field and at the plate as she was a pivotal part of the dogs playoff run last year. Both third base and second base are up for grabs with several young ladies competing hard to fill those key spots which include Emery, Steele, Murdoch, Clark and Burns.
In the outfield returning all region selection Josie Maddux will hold down right and be relied on to hit in the middle of the order. She will be joined in center by returning starter Sophomore Jodie Henderson who also continues to grow and mature into a very fine player. Several young ladies are competing hard to start in left field and currently leading that group are sophomores Bailey Coker and Lauren Woods.
Coach Lanham is also excited about the young newcomers and the way the help to push us and add depth to our team which include Delay, Thompson, Keen, Helms and Driver. Also the Dogs are blessed with two awesome managers Ryleigh Lawrence and Tianna Youngblood who both possess a servants heart and love their team.
The Bulldogs start their season at home August 8th against Coosa at 5:30.
Bulldog Roster:
Josie Maddux 2
Shayla Youngblood 7
Shelby Carlock 19
Chloe Murdock 12
Janie Emery 22
Shelby Steele 5
Darrian Jones 21
Bailey Coker 3
Jodie Henderson 10
Kaylee Driver 4
Gretchen Clark 16
Lily Keen 11
Jaycie Helms 15
Linzie Thompson 13
Gracie Burns 8
Lauren Delay 23
Whitney Shepherd 29
Lauren Woods 9Managers:
Ryleigh Lawrence
Tianna Youngblood
