Jefferson under new coach Allan Bailey had a phenomenal run in 2023. The Lady Dragons went 19-8, carried a #1 state ranking, and went 2-2 in the Supers, just shy of an Elite 8 trip to Columbus. This year’s team has 7 starters back, and in an all-new region will look to assert themselves as the team to beat.

Head Coach: Allan Bailey (2nd Season)
2023 Record: 19-8; State 2-2 Super Regionals; Region Runner-Up; #1 State Ranking

Returning Starters: 7
Key Returners: SR P Addison Self, SO SS Jenna Rapp (Region POY as FR), SR CF Gillian Price (1st Team All-Region; 2nd Team All-State), SR P Victoria Phagan, SR C Natalie Beck, JR RF Ally Baldwin, JR 3B Alivia Gober, JR 2B Reagan Hays (injured shoulder – out for season)
Key Departures: Avery Hays (Columbus State Univ), Audrey Burton (Presbyterian College), Madison Hachey (Columbus State Univ)

“We graduated 3 contributors that we have been working hard to replace this offseason,” says Bailey. “They will be missed, but we feel confident we have some players that will step up to fill those spots.”

Team Strengths: “Our pitching and our defense will be the strength of our team,” states Bailey. “We feel as though our offense will score enough runs to keep us in most games and our team chemistry will set us up for great success.”

“We have extremely high expectations going into this season,” adds Bailey. “We had plenty of chances to make noise last year in 5A, but could not capitalize when we needed to. We learned a lot last year as a program and have been working extremely hard this offseason to improve our weaknesses. We fully expect to compete for another region championship and be one of the last teams left in Columbus. This team is very talented and we are ready for a great 2024 season!”