Following a remarkable season that saw 26 wins, including an 8-1 record on the way to a Central Ozark Conference title, Neosho softball returns all of its starters from a year ago with the hopes of reaching even greater heights in 2024.
“We are very excited,” Neosho coach Catie Cummins said to NewsTalk KZRG. We have a great group of girls that have wonderful friendships with each other and high expectations on the season.”
If experience is everything, then the Wildcats are set up for another fantastic season as they welcome back senior pitcher Careigh Kinnaird and junior pitcher Olivia Emery, junior catcher Autumn Kinnaird, sophomore first baseman Journey Armall, senior shortstop Beclynn Garrett, senior outfielder Avyn Blair and junior Outfielder Ashlyn Stevens as well as sophomore UT Kynden Smith and junior UT Addy Hart.
“We have the mentality to be successful and the skill set as well,” Cummins said. We return many girls that want to make a farther run in the postseason.”
Neosho will look for help from newcomers: junior OF Sadee Depriest, junior DP/2B Abbie Clark and freshman UT Sadee Leach.
With every starter in place from a year ago, the Wildcats are in a prime position to improve on one of, if not the best season in the program’s history last season. That being said, Neosho realizes they will be the game circled on everyone else’s schedule.
“Winning the COC last season and being district runner-up puts a target on our back where we will be getting everyone's best game,” Cummins said. “We have not been in this position before. We are excited for it.”
Neosho will be navigating a new-look Central Ozark Conference this year, with the COC expanding to 14 teams and two divisions—East and West. The Wildcats are in the West Division with Carthage, Joplin, Webb City, Republic, Willard and Parkview. The East Division is made up of Lebanon, Waynesville, Nixa, Ozark, Kickapoo, Glendale and Central.
Neosho opens the season on Aug. 31 with a road twinbill at Marshfield and against McDonald County