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 2A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are three new softball coaches in 2A this year: Shane Long (Altamont), Britney Vernon (North Summit) and Blaine Burraston (Millard).
Here are the 2A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
2A Central
1. Gunnison Valley Bulldogs
Head coach: Tyson Brackett
2019 record: 21-11 (first in 2A Central with an 8-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver in 2A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Enterprise in 2A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Kennedi Knudsen, P/OF, Jr.
- Raven Picket, 3B, Jr.
- Hadlee McDonald, IF/OF, Jr.
- Lexee Kiesel, P/IF, So.
- Rilee Dyreng, IF, So.
- Jakelle Sorensen, C/IF
Coach comment: “Our team can’t wait to get back on the field. Not having a season last year sucked. All teams are in the same boat so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. We have some great girls coming back.”
2. Millard Eagles
Head coach: Blaine Burraston
2019 record: 11-12 (third in 2A Central with a 4-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Gunnison Valley in 2A second round: Eliminated by Duchesne in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Shaylee Burraston, P, Jr.
- Bryn Rasmussen, C, Sr.
- McCall Aburto, OF, Sr.
Coach comment: “There is so much unknown this year because of the COVID-19 shutdown last spring. There are a handful of teams that could make a run at the title this year. I think more than anything, everyone is just happy to be back on the field playing ball.”
3. North Sevier Wolves
Head coach: Kalie Frischknecht (first year)
2019 record: 9-15 (second in 2A Central with a 4-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Parowan in 2A second round: Eliminated by Altamont in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Allie Rae Cowley, P, Sr.
- Abby Johnson, P, Sr.
- Mckylee Malmgren, CF, Sr.
- McKayla Crane, 1B/3B/C, Sr.
- Laynee Nielsen, C, Jr.
4. Piute T-Birds
Head coach: James Barney (third year)
2019 record: 4-9 (fourth in 2A Central with a 1-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Altamont in 2A first round: Eliminated by Millard in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Ashley Talbot, 3B, Sr.
- Maci Barnson, 1B/RF, Sr.
- Brinnly Mirramontes, 2B, Sr.
- Taylor Leyland, SS, Jr.
- Emma Jensen, P/Util, Jr.
- Ashten Jensen, C/IF, Jr.
- Stormee Barnson, P/Util, Jr.
Coach comment: “Even though we will miss our two seniors from last year, we are extremely excited for the 2021 softball season. We have a positive group of girls, who love the game of softball, and are ready to compete at a high level. This team is fun to coach and will be fun to watch.”
5. Wayne Badgers
Head coach: Dan Taylor
2019 record: Did not participate.
Additional info not provided.
2A North
1. Duchesne Eagles
Head coach: Chuck Woodhouse
2019 record: 17-10 (tied for first in 2A North with a 7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver in 2A second round: Eliminated by Gunnison Valley in 2A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.
2. Altamont Longhorns
Head coach: Shane Long (first year)
2019 record: 12-11 (tied for first in 2A North with a 7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise in 2A second round: Eliminated by Gunnison Valley in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Taylor Norman, CF, Sr.
- Madison Zeeman, C, Sr.
- Lexi Hernandez, 3B/1B, Sr.
- Abbie Long, 2B/SS, Jr.
- Oakley Foy, P/1B, Jr.
3. North Summit Braves
Head coach: Britney Vernon (first year)
2019 record: 4-15 (third in 2A North with a 4-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Parowan in 2A first round: Eliminated by Panguitch in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Savannah Adams, 1B, Sr.
- Brooklyn Schreiber, LF, Sr.
- Brynn Vernon, CF, Sr.
- Hallie Judd, P, Jr.
Coach comment: “I am excited for my first year as the head coach. Our girls have a lot of excitement after not having a season last year. Can’t wait for the warm weather and to play some ball.”
4. Rockwell Marshalls
Head coach: Mckenzi Griffis (third year)
2019 record: 1-9 (fifth in 2A Central with a 0-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise in 2A first round: Eliminated by Piute in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Skiley Cluff, P, Sr.
- Ellie Anderson, 1B, Jr.
Coach comment: “This year is definitely a learning year! We have more then half the team that has never played before, I’m excited to see the girls learn and improve throughout the season.”
5. Rowland Hall Winged Lion
Head coach: Kathy Howa
2019 record: Did not participate
Returning contributors:
- Mena Zendajas-Portugal, C/OF, Sr.
- Maddie Keil, P, Sr.
- Vika Feletoa, C, So.
- Deja Shirkey, LF, So.
- Jezzie Sammons, 2B
Coach comment: “I am so glad we took the healthy way out last year to protect the players from the virus. I missed my seniors and feel so bad they never got to finish their last year on the field. I have no regrets on the decision, I would never gamble with someone’s health. I am so happy to get back out there after being vaccinated but will be taking the same precautions on the field and in the dugouts.”
6. St. Joseph Jayhawks
Head coach: Joseph Sutton
2019 record: 0-10 (tied for fourth in 2A North with a 0-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver in 2A first round: Eliminated by Milford in 2A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.
7. Utah Military Hillfield
Head coach: Alison Stander
2019 record: 0-7 (tied for fourth in 2A North with a 0-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Gunnison Valley in 2A first round: Eliminated by Kanab in 2A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.
2A South
1. Beaver Beavers
Head coach: Dallin Clove
2019 record: 19-5 (second in 2A South with an 8-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise in 2A semifinals: Eliminated by Gunnison Valley in 2A one-loss bracket.
Coach comment: ”We are grateful and excited we get to play! Last year we would have been a young team only having two returning seniors. We will miss the leadership of those two seniors this year but look forward to seeing where we are at and watching this year’s seniors step up and lead us. We have a good group of girls who aren’t afraid to work hard and compete.”
2. Enterprise Wolves
Head coach: Katye Jones (third year)
2019 record: 24-3 (first in 2A South with a 7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Gunnison Valley in 2A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Dykell Jones, SS, Sr.
Coach comment: “We are very young this year with only one returning senior and very little varsity experience. We have some young talent that will be fighting to fill open positions. The girls are up to the challenge and the competition will only make them better. We will have some ups and downs this season, but with hard work and dedication, we plan to compete for the state title again.”
3. Parowan Rams
Head coach: Sara Park (third year)
2019 record: 10-17 (third in 2A South with a 5-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Enterprise in 2A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Duchesne in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Laci Sissened, SS, Sr.
- Maddee Mathews, CF, Sr.
- Kinley Rowley, 2B, Jr.
Coach comment: “I am super excited for this upcoming season. We have a young team with lots of talent.”
4. Kanab Cowboys
Head coach: Kevin Orton (sixth year)
2019 record: 5-14 (fourth in 2A South with a 3-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Millard in 2A first round: Eliminated by Altamont in 2A one-loss bracket .
Returning contributors:
- Brynlee Smith, IF, Sr.
- Kailey Couey, OF, Sr.
- Kati Riddle, P/IF, Jr.
- Rylie Staton, P/IF, Jr.
- Jesse Reidhead, P/IF, Jr.
- Jaidyn Rosser, OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “We were in a good flow last season before we had to shut it down. I liked our attitude and work ethic and was most disappointed about not seeing how that played out because of the shutdown. We will try to replicate that this upcoming season and compete as best we can. I like our team and it will be a fun season with who we have coming back.”
5. Panguitch Bobcats
Head coach: Kelly Holman (sxth year)
2019 record: 4-13 (fifth in 2A South with a 2-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to North Sevier in 2A first round: Eliminated by Duchesne in 2A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Cortny Houston, IF/P, Sr.
- Abbee Holman, P/SS, Jr.
- Kambree Howell, C, Jr.
- DJ Henrie, IF, So.
Coach comment: “With only two seniors, we have a young team with a lot of heart and excitement especially since the season was cut short last year. We have six returning starters and a good group of freshman.”
6. Milford Eagles
Head coach: Vili Faapouli
2019 record: 1-10 (sixth in 2A South with a 0-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Duchesne in 2A first round: Eliminated by North Sevier in 2A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided.