The 2021 high school softball season gets underway this week for teams across the state. After last year’s canceled season, there’s more anticipation than ever to get the season going. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are four new softball coaches in 6A this year: Mark Wood (Granger), Chris Babinski (Jordan), Sharee McBraun (West) and Todd Thompson (Corner Canyon).
Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 1
1. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Kiley Crockett
2019 record: 21-11 (first in Region 1 with an 11-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Herriman in 6A championship.
Additional info not provided.
2. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Karly Bates (fourth year)
2019 record: 14-11 (4th in Region 1 with a 6-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A first round: Eliminated by Fremont in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Jayci Finch, P, Sr.
- Rachael Brown, C/Util, Sr.
- Kaycee Valencia, C/Util, Sr.
- Miranda Mansfield, SS, Jr.
Coach comment: “We can’t wait to see these amazing kids come together as a Falcon family and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
3. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Melinda Wade
2019 record: 5-12 (seventh in Region 1 with a 1-11 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify.
Additional info not provided.
4. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Mandy Koford (third year)
2019 record: 19-9 (second in Region 1 with a 10-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bingham in 6A second round: Eliminated by Layton in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Aubrey Morrow, IF, Sr.
- Stalee Hadley, IF, Sr.
- Kaci Smith, P, Sr.
- Tyra Coats, OF, Sr.
- Haddie Hadley, Util, Jr.
Coach comment: “It’s exciting to have a team that is fresh and eager to play. Everyone will be putting everything they have into this season and it is going to be an exciting one to watch. I have some seniors with a lot to prove and some underclassman that will surprise people with their game maturity.”
5. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Kelly Anderson (14th year)
2019 record: 6-14 (tied for fifth in Region 1 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify.
Returning contributors:
- Megan Geukgeuzian, C, Sr.
- Megan Poll, SS, Sr.
- Rachel Godfrey, 1B, Sr.
- Abby Sims, P, Sr.
- McKahl Johnston, 3B, Sr.
- Chloe Orton, OF, Sr.
Coach comment: “There are a lot of unknown going into this season because of the cancelation of last year. From the few games we did play, we will return the majority of our starters from last year. We have six seniors we are looking too for leadership as we insert unproven players into our lineup. I’m looking forward to coaching this group because they have a lot of potential and could make a strong run in region and state if the pieces fall into place.”
6. Davis Darts
Head coach: Todd Street (second year)
2019 record: 16-8 (third in Region 1 with an 8-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Herriman in 6A first round: Eliminated by Pleasant Grove in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Emily Dent, 2B, Sr.
- Ellie Anderson, C, Sr.
- Abby Clark, OF, Sr.
- Sadie Hathaway, OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Davis High softball is looking forward to a great year with an amazing group of young ladies. We have a lot of solid players that work very hard. If they continue with great attitudes we could surprise some teams.”
7. Roy Royals
Head coach: Steph Mark
2019 record: 17-13 (second in Region 5 with a 10-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bountiful in 5A semifinals: Eliminated by West in 5A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.
8. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Casey Kap
2019 record: 7-14 (tied for fifth in Region 1 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify.
Additional info not provided.
Region 2
1. Taylorsville Warriors
Head coach: Jace Hymas (third year)
2019 record: 14-9 (third in Region 3 with a 4-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont in 6A first round: Eliminated by Westlake in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Calleigh DeYoung, IF, Sr.
- Alana Neilsen, OF, Sr.
- Sadie Taylor, P/3B, Jr.
- Jessenia Zapata, SS, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have lost 11 players from last year’s team to either graduation, early graduation this year, or players moving. Our new team will be young but talented. Pitching has improved and our hitting looks very promising.”
2. Kearns Cougars
Head coach: Will Sosi
2019 record: 16-9 (first in Region 2 with an 8-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Herriman in 6A second round: Eliminated by Fremont in 6A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.
3. Cyprus Pirates
Head coach: Whitley Haimin
2019 record: 11-14 (second in Region 2 with a 6-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Westlake in 6A first round: Eliminated by Clearfield in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Shay McDaniel, C/OF, Jr.
- Kenley Henson, P/OF, Jr.
- Leia Jenkins, OF/2B/SS, Jr.
- Sammy Gallegos, SS/2B/P, So.
- Kaitlynn Youngdell, SS/2B/1B/3B, So.
- Khloie Kramer, 2B/SS, So.
Coach comment: “Cyprus is eager to get back on the field this season. We have a relatively young group of student-athletes that work hard and strive to learn and improve each day. Overall, we have a tough preseason schedule and I’m looking forward to our team coming together and growing as a whole. I believe we will compete with the top teams in our classification and expect to have a successful year together.
4. Hunter Wolverines
Head coach: Heather Carlson (fifth year)
2019 record: 9-13 (third in Region 2 with a 4-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A first round: Eliminated by Riverton in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Teya Gasu, P/C, Sr.
- Kayla Hughes, 1B, Sr.
- Megan Jardine, SS/3B, Jr.
- Sadie Boynton 2B, So.
- Trinidad Gasu, C/SS, So.
Coach comment: “I am really excited to see the girls play, I was ecstatic at the young talent I had make the team last year and was really looking forward to seeing them compete, but COVID-19 and no season. So I am ready for them to compete and showcase their talent this season..”
5. West Jordan Jaguars
Head coach: Jocelyn Kaufman
2019 record: 7-15 (fifth in Region 3 with a 0-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify.
Returning contributors:
- Morgan Borran, SS, Sr.
- Makila Vi, 3B, Sr.
- Izzy Stewart, C, Sr.
- Erika Ozuer, OF, So.
Coach comment: “I am very excited about this year. We have a young team this year and I am excited to see what they can do. We have some great returners and also have some freshmen that will see a lot of varsity time. After last season was cut short we are antsy to get out on the field and show the improvements that West Jordan High softball has made.”
6. Granger Lancers
Head coach: Mark Wood (first year)
2019 record: 3-19 (fourth in Region 2 with a 2-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Bingham in 6A first round: Eliminated by Taylorsville in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Bailee Leatherwood, CF, Sr.
- Tue Tran, OF, Sr.
- Monica Debrum, OF, Sr.
Coach comment: “After last year being cut short, I am excited to get out there to play, and I know these young ladies are really looking forward to a great season. We have a lot of young talent and I cannot wait to see how we come together this year as a team.”
Region 3
1. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Heidi McKissick (eighth year)
2019 record: 20-9 (second in Region 3 with a 6-2 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Layton in 6A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Alexa Wade, P/1B, Sr.
- Abby Grundy, 3B, Sr.
- Kelsey Nelson, OF, Sr.
- Kaitlyn Slade, 2B, Sr.
- Milo Lancaster, C, Sr.
- Kiaria Smith, P, So.
- Gaby Lancaster, OF, So.
Coach comment: “After a heartbreaking devastating 2020 cancellation of our season, Herriman is hungry and ready to defend our title. We are grateful to be able to play and are excited to be back on the field. It going to be a battle in Region 3, with Riverton, Bingham and Copper Hills.”
2. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Katelyn Elliott (seventh year)
2019 record: 13-11 (fourth in Region 3 with a 3-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton in 6A first round: Eliminated by Kearns in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Kaysen Korth, P, Jr.
- Bailey Hansen, 1B, Sr.
- Chloe Borges, P, Sr.
- Lexi Shaver, Util, Jr.
- Jolie Mayfield, SS, So.
Coach comment: “We have a group that is excited for the opportunity to play again. They mesh well as a group and I’m excited to see what they come together and accomplish this year.”
3. Bingham Miners
Head coach: Mikki Jackson (25th year)
2019 record: 17-9 (tied for first in Region 4 with a 7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Herriman in 6A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Layton in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Emily Dority, P, Sr.
- Averi Hanny, P, Sr.
Coach comment: “As Bingham returns to the field this year, the Miners will be anchored by two All-State, college bound senior pitchers, Averi Hanny and Emily Dority, as well as senior leaders Madie Harrison and Talahiva Moli. The seniors will guide an experienced group of juniors in Chloe Latu, Eliza Chapple and Noe Barawis, and a talented group of sophomores including Braxtyn Hunter, Shelbee Jones, and Charity Drake who saw time as freshman starters in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Competing in the highly competitive Region 3 will provide plenty of opportunity to grow as the season progresses.”
4. West Panthers
Head coach: Sharee McBraun
2019 record: 26-2 (first in Region 6 with a 10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Roy in 5A quarterfinals: Beat Bountiful in 5A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Josie Vaenuku, 3B, Sr. — Josie is one of our captains and a natural leader. Josie has power to all fields and we’ll look to her for a lot of offensive production. She has the experience of winning a state title so there won’t be a stage too big for her.
- Brooklyn Tapusoa, SS, Jr. — Brooklyn is one of our hardest workers and does a great job of keeping her teammates motivated. She’s a great fielder and can hit as well. We’re excited to see what she can do for us.
Coach comment: “We’re excited to see the girls have the opportunity to get out and play. It was difficult for players to miss last year (especially seniors), but we understand the situation we’re in. Just having the ability to get out and play is win for us this year.”
5. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: John Flores (fourth year)
2019 record: 18-5 (first in Region 3 with a 7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Herriman in 6A semifinals: Eliminated by Layton in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Carlye Davis, C/Util, Sr.
- Maddie Jennings, P/OF, So.
- Olivia Spear, 2B/OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Rebuilding year. The girls are looking forward to getting back out on the dirt after last year’s season was cut short. Copper Hills softball is young in experience this year after losing the season/experience last year due to COVID-19, but the girls are ready to work hard and we have some talented young athletes that are new to the program that will become contributors and starters for the Grizzlies. It is going to be a true team effort with our returners and our new girls coming into this year. Meshing as a team will be one of our keys to success this year.”
6. Jordan Beetdiggers
Head coach: Chris Babinski (first year)
2019 record: 1-12 (sixth in Region 7 with a 0-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify.
Additional info not provided.
Region 4
1. Skyridge Falcons
Head coach: Riley White (fifth year)
2019 record: 21-5 (tied for second in Region 8 with a 7-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Murray in 5A first round: Eliminated by Springville in 5A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Brightyn Turner, OF, Jr.
- Heather Berrett, P, Jr.
- Elliot Plewe, Utility, So.
- Dailee (Moki) Maughan, SS, So.
Coach comment: “We are young, hungry, and focused. We are confident we will surprise teams, even with our youth.”
2. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Chad Carpenter
2019 record: 17-10 (third in Region 4 with a 4-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A second round: Eliminated by Pleasant Grove in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Jerika Fitting, SS, Sr.
- Gentry Ryan, 1B, Sr.
- Brooklyn Gramse, C, Jr.
- Sami Flanagan, CF, Jr.
- Carmen Roadifer, 3B, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are so excited for this season and the girls have been working hard and practicing hard each day! We are thankful to have a season and thankful that Utah is allowing these kids the opportunity to play!”
3. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Leslie Young
2019 record: 14-15 (tied for first in Region 4 with a 7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton in 6A second round: Eliminated by Bingham in 6A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.
4. American Fork Cavemen
Head coach: Leslee Warr
2019 record: 6-21 (fourth in Region 4 with a 2-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Kearns in 6A first round: Eliminated by Davis in 6A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Marae Decker, P/SS, Sr.
- Audree Bellus, 3B
- Brittany Fryer, C
- Jane Rubert, LF
- Kylee Luci-Straw, CF
Coach comment: “After a year of not being able to play our kids are chomping at the bit to get back on the field. We have 10 seniors this year that are all going to contribute and find success. They have played together for the past six years and a great group of young ladies. We are excited to bring on the 2021 season.”
5. Lone Peak Knights
Head coach: Dee Muse
2019 record: 4-13 (fifth in Region 4 with a 0-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify.
Additional info not provided.
6. Corner Canyon Chargers
Head coach: Todd Thompson (first year)
2019 record: 16-8 (tied for first in Region 7 with a 9-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Farmington in 5A first round: Eliminated by Skyridge in 5A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.