WILLIAMSBURG — Exciting times seem to be ahead for Williamsburg coach Andrea Winchester’s Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jackets.
With everyone but two players coming back from last season’s 6-19 squad, Winchester believes her team can surprise this season.
“We had one transfer out and one graduate,” she said. “But We also had one transfer in. As of now, I see our starters being Chloe Barman, Allie Wilson, Jasmine Stephens, Haylee Baird, Makenzie Rice, Brooklyn Taylor, Kylie Monhollen, Angel Stephens, and Katlyn Moses.
“This season, our goals are to at least double our win record from last year and to capitalized on games that we should’ve won last year,” she added. “I believe that we have a good team coming back this year. If we focus on the little things and have confidence in ourselves, we can get some district wins and maybe make a run at the post season.”
The key to Williamsburg’s success could come down to leadership and pitching.
“We have a strong senior class,” Winchester said. “These five girls are very hard workers and will be crucial in our team’s success this year.
“Allie Wilson and Kyli Monhollen have worked hard in the offseason to get better on the mound,” she added. “They have both grown as pitchers mentally and physically. Their work ethic and drive to get better will help them be successful on the mound.”
The Lady Yellow Jackets will compete once again in one of the toughest districts in the region. They’re the lone Class A team competing with Corbin, South Laurel and Whitley County.
“I think Corbin will be the team to beat this year,” Winchester said. “Coach Crystal Stidham has a lot of returning players and will still be strong all the way through her lineup.
“I would love for our team to go to region this year,” she added. “These girls deserve it. In order to do so, we will have to play with confidence and no fear when we face our district competition.”
The schedule that Winchester has compiled will have her team prepared and ready for district and postseason play.
“I am pleased with our schedule this year,” she said. “We have teams on there that will get us ready for district play. We are also going to the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge during spring break. We will face some tough teams down there. I am hoping that this sets us up to be competitive at the district level when we get back.
“To be successful this year, our team has to have confidence in themselves and be coachable,” she added. “If we can do those two things, I feel our coaching staff can get us to where we need to be.”
