UNION CITY, Ind. – Progress is happening in the Union City softball program.
“The expectations at this point for the Lady Indian softball team are very high for 2016,” Union City Head Coach Michael Dean said. “We’re opening up here soon on a very nice new facility that the school has invested highly in for the program as it’s still young showing a great deal of commitment to the kids.”
“We return seven starters from last year’s varsity roster, so expectations are high in experience and talent as we build the program,” continued Dean, who is in his third season with the Indians.
Union City may have been 3-14 last year and 0-7 in the Tri-Eastern Conference, but Dean thinks the program is on the rise.
“The numbers jumped greatly in participation allowing us to have a JV program again for the second year in a row,” Dean said. “We have seen some really standout players in the lower grades moving up in numbers we haven’t seen before, so that’s exciting as well looking beyond this season.”
“We had over 34 girls came out initially for the high school team this season, more than we’ve ever seen here,” Dean added. “Another 28 have signed up for junior high this season as well. Were also excited to see 10u and 12u travel programs initiated with a great deal of commitment by coaches Tony Evans and Jesse Thacker. All of this brings a great deal of excitement as we build a strong program.”
The seniors and juniors are Kali Miller, Hannah Lambdin, Amber Curry, Kayla Hill, Kelsey Zimmers, Peyton Dean, Tara Heuss, Shayla Shaneyfelt and Jennifer Delatorre.
“We have high expectations for our returning starters especially at the plate this season as were returning four players with .300 plus averages,” Dean said. “Miller has already set most of the batting records, so were looking for her to have a great senior year.”
Madeline Adams, a transfer from Northeastern, is expected to be a factor on offense. Miller, Dean and sophomore Kahlee Dowler are expected to see time on the mound.
The addition of Adams and Justiss Cantu, who were starters on Union City’s sectional champion basketball team, is already helping. Dowler and classmate Ellie Kerns were also on the basketball team.
“Their impact in both athletic skills and leadership is showing already in the pre-season,” Dean said. “I have no doubt the impact they made on the basketball court will transfer onto the softball field for us.”
“We have a nice freshman class coming in and our sophomore class is strong,” Dean added. “It showed last year with some key JV wins over larger programs such as Richmond, so we’re excited to see how that turns over to the varsity program as players push themselves and others for starting spots, we’re already looking at three of those sophomores making a huge impact.”
The Indians were scheduled to begin the season with a doubleheader at South Adams on Saturday, April 2. No make-up date has been set, so the next contest is at National Trail on Wednesday, April 6.