A young team last year got some valuable experience, and a big chunk of the lineup returns including sophomore sensation River Evans. Rabun County should see a drastic step in the right direction this year.

PRESEASON INFO

2024 Record: 5-17; No Playoffs
Head Coach: Jessica Evans (2nd Season)
Returning Starters: 5
Key Departures: Jacie McCall, Chloe Erlewine, Hailey Harvey, Emili Martin
“We graduated some solid players from our lineup last year and have been working on our athleticism and leadership,” says coach Jessica Evans. “Jacie McCall, Chloe Erlewine, Hailey Harvey, Emili Martin, all helped power our lineup last year and we look forward to all these new young ladies stepping up and fulfilling their roles.”
Key Players: River Evans, Presley Burrell, Chloe Shirley, Madeline Suarez, Kenlee Hedge, Addison Patton, Jessa Gipson, Jalynn Gragg
“We have a big piece of our hitting lineup back with the middle returning,” says Evans. “River Evans returns as a sophomore that slugged in 31 RBI last season and 4 HR as a freshman. We also return Presley Burrell and Chloe Shirley who both held down the third and fourth spot in the lineup and really kept opposing teams on their toes using their power to help boost team runs. We are looking forward to Madeline Suarez, Kenlee Hedge, and Addison Patton to use their experience from last season to get on base and help us solidify a competitive line up. Burrell, Patton, Jessa Gipson, and Jalynn Gragg will hold down the circle this year with Evans and Suarez sharing time behind the plate to round out our battery. We look forward to our continued success locating pitches and keeping batters guessing and our catchers having the ability to keep runners honest.”
Strengths: Experience
“We have added a great group of freshman and have returning sophomores that will fill some roles right away,” says Evans. “We have a young lady that has returned to the program, Crystal Brooks, and has really brought some speed and explosive game play. We have added some new coaching staff members who are committed to our program and will strive to meet and help us exceed expectations. McKenna Talcott has recently graduated college and played at the collegiate level for the Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies with a successful career and Shanda Henry, a Rabun alumni, who has stepped up and helped our pitching staff this season. These two ladies have really helped us step up our game and I’m excited to see what we will look like come September. We have surely started the grind, these girls are bought in, and working hard. Go Wildcats!”

“Our expectations are to continue to build leadership, consistency, and a solid softball program,” adds Evans. “We will give it our best every play and get 2% better every day and that’s all we can ask for.”