The Gatewood softball team aims to rebound in 2025 after finishing with a disappointing 3-17 record last season.
The Lady Gators have a veteran-laden roster this season, with five seniors returning.
Gatewood head coach Dena Stancil said she is excited about this senior class.
“I’ve got five seniors who have put in the work. They’ve really, really grown a lot,” Stancil said. “I had three of them start varsity in eighth grade and the other two are also solid. The leadership going into this season is something that, with five of them, we just haven’t had that kind of leadership before. We’ve had leadership, but with five of them, it feels completely different as we head into this season.”
The Lady Gators’ seniors include Riley Roberts, Lily Huskins, Natalie Sills, Ellie McMillan, and Cora Tkacik.
“I’ve got Riley Roberts and Natalie Sills returning as two key players. They pitch, and they’re two solid outfielders,” Stancil said. “And I’ve also got Lily Huskins, who’s just a good, all-around utility-type player with excellent leader capabilities.
“Ellie McMillan has caught for me since she was in eighth grade. This year, you’ll see her a lot, probably out from behind the plate as we try to prepare the younger ones for the years to follow. She’ll probably have a bigger role in the infield,” Stancil continued. “And then Cora Tkacik, who’s very strong for me. She’s got great leadership potential. I’m seeing a lot of good out of those five already this summer.”
Stancil also expressed a lot of faith in the younger players on the team, emphasizing the depth they add. She has seen significant growth in the freshmen who gained valuable experience at the varsity level as eighth graders.
“The effort they’ve put in over the summer, the maturity they’re already showing me before their freshman year has really impressed me. I believe they’ll shake things up on this team, and they’ll bring a lot of energy,” Stancil said. “I think, with the leadership of the seniors and the fire these young players have, we’re looking pretty strong.”
The Lady Gators’ coach also emphasized that her younger players have put in a lot of effort this summer to succeed.
“They’ve got strong bats,” she said. “Three have been taking pitching lessons all summer, and two of them are my middle infielders. One of them will get a lot of work behind the plate this year because I think that she’s probably going to be my catcher for the next several years. They have a lot to offer this team, a wealth of talent.”
Gatewood has played several scrimmages this summer and competed well, so Stancil hopes this team can “surprise” those in the region and make a statement this season.
“I expect us to show up and maybe surprise some people, especially in our region,” Stancil said. “Our goal is to make the [GIAA Class AA state] playoffs. Once we get there, anything can happen. It’s any team’s game once you get to Columbus.”