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Callaway softball has a new leader in charge this season, but the goals remain the same: “Every team starts with that goal of getting to Columbus and you want to win the state championship. We’ve talked about if you get to Columbus, you got a chance, but I also understand the importance of setting little goals along the way. And it’s just really doing everything you can to win every game and put yourself in a position to make it to Columbus,” coach Dalton Reed said.

Reed is in his first season in charge of the Cavaliers, but this is his fourth year with the program. The players know what he can bring and vice versa.

“We are so excited,” senior Kaitlyn Williams said of Reed taking over as head coach. “We love coach Reed.”

This upcoming season will have its fair share of trials and tribulations. Nearly the entire home slate of games will be played at Shuford Fields with renovations at Callaway’s home field set to last from Aug. 12 – Sept. 20.

“Definitely hate it for our seniors that they’re not going to get to play as many games out here,” Reed said. “But you know if we accomplish our goals we have a solid opportunity to host in the first round of state here.”

The good news is that the Cavaliers lost just two players from last year’s team — Kyla Harris and Ava Shuford. The two will be missed as evident by their abilities on the field. Shuford could start at either corner infield spot but locked down third base mostly as a senior. She hit .347 and led the team with 19 RBIs this season. Harris, a regular in the outfield, hit .342 and was second on the team in RBIs (15)  this season after coming back from an ACL tear last fall.

“Each of them brought very specific things to the table and they will be very hard for us to replace,” Reed said. “Kyla was a real vocal leader on the field for us and Ava was just an all-around leader.”

Callaway will be returning the vast majority of their talented roster which leaves them poised for a big season.

The Cavaliers will have to contend with some new competition as they enter into a new region. Callaway will have to contend with three teams in their region currently ranked in the top 10 in 2A with Morgan County ranked second. 

“It’s an absolutely loaded region and it’s not going to be easy, but to be honest, we don’t want it easy,” Reed said. “I want to have to fight and claw for it because it will make it feel like we really earned it.”

The Cavaliers will be an experienced squad, but still somewhat youthful. Callaway has just three seniors — Madison Kemp, Kaitlyn Williams and Karlie Walker. All three will play an important leadership role with so many young players on the team.

“It’s definitely a big role to fill because we have so many young girls,” Williams said. “There’s so many more of them than there are of us.”

The three are not just leaders, but can also produce at a high level on the diamond.

“We call them the bash sisters because when they are all clicking together they are fun to watch,” Reed said. 

 

PITCHER: 

The pitching staff will be led by ace Mackenzie Toney. The junior enjoyed a stellar freshman season before elevating her game last season to become the no. 1 pitcher on the staff, pitching over 49 innings while the next highest did not even eclipse 20 innings of work in the circle. She had the lowest ERA on the team and chipped in offensively as well, hitting .289

“She’s an absolute dog for us,” Reed said. “She’s been a competitor since day one. She has big dreams and big goals for herself and she’s not going to let anybody stop her from achieving those. Her arm has gotten faster with a lot more spin, so I’m excited to see what she can do this season.”

Sophomore Bella Cleveland was the team’s no. 1 starting pitcher on JV last season while playing sporadically on varsity. She will be expected to take a much bigger role in the rotation this year.

“She gives us a big frame in the circle and she can absolutely sling it,” Reed said. “She is always smiling and super positive and we expect big things from her.”

Kaitlyn Williams saw ample time on the mound during her junior and sophomore seasons and will serve as one of the team’s top relief pitchers. Junior Kinley Smith will also be a part of the rotation as will Layla Elkins.

 

CATCHER:

Karlie Walker, one of the team’s three seniors, has been a stalwart behind the plate since her sophomore season. She was named to the All-Region team last year and was region defensive player of the year as a sophomore. 

“It’s great having Karlie back there because this will be her third season starting as she has a real comfortability with the pitchers,” Reed said. “She can play a little third too, so hopefully we can keep some of the wear and tear off her legs.”

 

INFIELD:

The Cavaliers only lost two starters from last year’s team, but Ava Shuford is going to be difficult to replace at third base. 

Kinley Smith kept second base on lock last season, earning a spot on the All-Region team. Her versatility could see her play at first or third base as well.

Senior Madison Kemp enjoyed a true breakout season last year. She hit .289 from the plate in 2023. Kemp originally started in the outfield but found a role at shortstop, where she will start to begin this season.

Brianna Pattillo got some action at first and third base last season as a freshman and could find herself slotting into a starting role to start this season. Junior Mikayla Blankenship came on strong down the stretch last season and will be in line to start again this season. She started at first base in all three playoff games for Callaway last season.

Junior Jackie Pitts will also play a role in the infield.

“We have so many girls that are good at multiple positions,” Reed said. “One of the big conversations I’ve had to have is getting the girls to understand that you might not start that game. I don’t really call them subs, I call them special ops. They all have a special tool set.

“One of the things we tried to do a lot of this summer is make sure that all of our players get infield reps and all of our players get outfield reps.”

 

OUTFIELD:

Savannah Rice made a name for herself in 2023. After a solid freshman season, she elevated her game as a sophomore.  Rice led all starts in batting average (.408), hits (20) and doubles (10).

“She just covers a lot of ground and she’s got an absolute cannon for an arm,” Reed said. “She is one of the girls that we expect a lot from this season.”

Kaitlyn Williams was asked to do a little of everything for the Cavaliers last season, starting at pitcher, infield and outfield during the season. She hit .309 while leading the team in runs scored with 26. Williams is expected to slot in as one of the starting outfielders this season.

Juniors Keira Trone and Lakyn Gatens played sporadically in the outfield a season ago and both will play expanding roles this season that could include starting games. 

 

WHEN DOES IT START:

The Cavaliers open their season on the road to Starr’s Mill on Aug. 6. The first home game will be on Aug. 9 against Manchester.

“I am a little anxious more so than nervous but I’m sure once I see the crowd for the opening game I will start to feel the nerves,” Walker said.