The 2024 high school softball season is scheduled to get underway this week for teams in Class 3A, but it could be a slow start to the season as Mother Nature reminded everyone that it’s still winter in much of the state this past weekend. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has compiled capsules for every team in 3A. 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 3A this year: Janey Bloomfield (Delta), Andrew Sedillo (Juan Diego) and April Young (Summit Academy).
Here are the 3A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
1. Carbon Dinos
Head coach: Kirt Nunley (fourth year).
2023 record: 18-8 (first in Region 12 with a 8-0 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 4 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 3-2 record, Eliminated by Manti in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 8.8 rpg (No. 7 in 3A).
2023 defense: 3.4 rpg (No. 2 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Adri Abeyta, OF/1B, Sr.
- Brielle Sandoval, SS, Sr.
- Taylor Secor, OF/C, Sr.
- Kylan Sorenson, P/INF, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Danica Adams, P/INF, Jr.
- Sage Vea, INF/P, Jr.
Coach comment: “Carbon lost some talent last year to graduation. However, we have several girls who have a lot of varsity experience. We got eliminated in the state playoffs in 2023 sooner than we anticipated. Girls are hungry to get back to the state tournament and have a better showing in 2024. I believe we have the talent to once again compete in 3A this season. Our pitching and defense will help us. Offensively, we need a lot of work. We lost a lot of our big bats to graduation last year. The good thing is, I have four seniors who have a lot of varsity experience. I believe that will help us. These girls play a lot of travel ball during the summer and fall seasons. This makes a big difference when high school softball comes around. I do believe we have less depth than what we had last year. I believe that will hurt us as we make a deep playoff run. However, we have some junior girls who haven’t played a lot of varsity, but they are talented and I believe with them filling in the spots we lost last season, the Lady Dinos will be in the thick of things. I am excited and can’t wait to see what these young talented ladies can do. Go Dinos.”
2. North Sanpete Hawks
Head coach: Landon Bailey (seventh year).
2023 record: 21-9 (tied for first in Region 14 with a 6-2 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 3 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 4-2 record, eliminated by Grantsville in 3A championship.
2023 offense: 8 rpg (No. 11 in 3A).
2023 defense: 4.7 rpg (No. 4 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Katelyn Johnson, P, Sr.
- Paeton Johnson, P, Sr.
- Madyson Steadman, OF, Sr.
- Dally Bailey, IF, Sr.
- Indigo North, C, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Payton Johnson, IF, Sr.
- Ava Sunderland, OF, Sr.
- Shea Rawlinson, UTIL, Jr.
- Mylee Cook, IF, So.
Coach comment: “Like everyone else, we are very excited for this season. All of the girls have been working hard and we have some very capable and experienced players returning. We hope that the weather cooperates more this year and we are able to have a fun and competitive year.”
3. Manti Templars
Head coach: Belinda Osborn (second year).
2023 record: 12-13 (tied for fifth in Region 14 with a 6-2 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 12 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 5-2 record, Eliminated by North Sanpete in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 8 rpg (No. 12 in 3A).
2023 defense: 7.3 rpg (No. 7 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Cecily Alder, OF, Sr.
- Mara Thompson, OF, Sr.
- Andilyn Anderson, INF, Sr.
- Raubie Johnson, DH/INF, Sr.
- Rylee Miller, C, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Danielle Alder, P, So.
- Carlie Thompson, INF, So.
- Khloe Layton, INF/OF, So.
- Hannah Daniels, INF, Jr.
- Markell Wilson, P, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are returning five varsity starters that had a big contribution to last year’s team. We have some very athletic underclassmen that will come in and fill some important roles.”
4. Canyon View Falcons
Head coach: Hailee McDonald (second year).
2023 record: 20-7 (second in Region 12 with a 6-2 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 2 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 2-2 record, eliminated by Manti in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 10.7 rpg (No. 3 in 3A).
2023 defense: 3.7 rpg (No. 3 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Saige Hancock, CF.
- Gracie Burt, SS.
- Avery Trujillo, 1B.
- Eli John, P.
Key newcomers:
- Savanah Hutchings, C.
Coach comment: “Should be a pretty solid squad.”
5. Emery Spartans
Head coach: Dalen Johnson (second year).
2023 record: 14-12 (third in Region 12 with a 4-4 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 8 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 2-2 record, eliminated by Providence Hall in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 7.2 rpg (No. 14 in 3A).
2023 defense: 5.7 rpg (No. 6 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Brooklynn Ekker, SS, Sr.
- Shannon Johnson, INF, Sr.
- Madi Bunnell, OF, Sr.
- Katelyn Nielson, OF/1B, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Kali Jensen, INF, Jr.
- Rheagan Rhoten, P/C, So.
- Kallee Lake, P, Jr.
6. Richfield Wildcats
Head coach: Janell Johansen (fourth year).
2023 record: 9-14 (tied for fourth in Region 12 with a 1-7 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 14 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 1-2 record, eliminated by Juan Diego in 3A bracket play.
2023 offense: 8.6 rpg (No. 9 in 3A).
2023 defense: 9.7 rpg (No. 12 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Macie Barton, C, Jr.
- Audrey Stewart, SS, Sr.
- Kolbi Viers, P, So.
Coach comment: “I’m super excited to see what this year’s team can do. We have a lot of great talent that is going to help us do better than most people expect.”
7. Juab Wasps
Head coach: Austin Soper (second year).
2023 record: 7-14 (fourth in Region 14 with a 2-6 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 15 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 2-2 record, eliminated by South Summit in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 7.7 rpg (No. 13 in 3A).
2023 defense: 11.2 rpg (No. 14 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Rylee Sperry, INF, Sr.
- Lucy Richards, OF, Sr.
- Tylie Greenhalgh, OF, Sr.
- Bailee Benson, P/INF, Jr.
- Roudee Weaver, INF/C, Jr.
- Liv Topham, P/INF, Jr.
- Dusti Draper, INF, Jr.
- Madison Blankenagel, INF, Jr.
- Austyn Lewis, OF, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Mollie Blankenagel, UTIL, Fr.
Coach comment: “We are very excited to get the season started. The girls have shown determination and focus in the offseason, all with the goal of outperforming last season’s results. We are eager to compete and make this season a step forward.”
8. Delta Rabbits
Head coach: Janey Bloomfield (first year).
2023 record: 3-12 (fifth in Region 14 with a 0-8 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 17 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 0-1 record, eliminated by Ben Lomond in 3A play-in game.
2023 offense: 6.5 rpg (No. 17 in 3A).
2023 defense: 13.3 rpg (No. 18 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Lucy Nickle, C, Sr.
- Kloey Thayne, 2B, Sr.
- Dally Bundy, P, Sr.
- Mckenna Smith, 3B, Sr.
- Joslyn Christiansen, SS, So.
Coach comment: “We are a growing program. We look forward to this year and seeing the potential we have.”
1. Grantsville Cowboys
Head coach: Tony Cloward (fifth year).
2023 record: 27-4 (first in Region 13 with a 8-0 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 1 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 5-0 record, Beat North Sanpete in 3A championship.
2023 offense: 10.1 rpg (No. 4 in 3A).
2023 defense: 2.2 rpg (No. 1 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Avery Lee, OF, Sr.
Key newcomers:
- Lily Parks, 3B, Sr.
- Elise Smith, 2B, Jr.
- Renn White, OF/P, Jr.
- Hayden Bytheway, P/IF, So.
- Payten Bytheway, P/IF, So.
- Kira Hart, C, So.
- Eden Ressel, SS, So.
- Gharity Remick, IF/P, So.
- Addison Durfee, IF/OF, So.
- Bryn Anderson, IF/P, Fr.
Coach comment: “We graduated a lot of talented, experienced players off of last year’s state championship team. We will be young and inexperienced this year. Yet, this is one of the most talented groups we have had. They will be competitive and if the figure a few things out we could be very good. They had a great offseason and successful summer. They are looking forward to the excitement and challenge the season will bring. Could be fun.”
2. Morgan Trojans
Head coach: Billy Peterson (eighth year).
2023 record: 11-11 (tied for second in Region 13 with a 5-3 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 7 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 1-2 record, eliminated by Emery in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 8.6 rpg (No. 8 in 3A).
2023 defense: 7.4 rpg (No. 8 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Lexi Hardman, SS, Jr.
- Kaiya Peterson, 2B, Jr.
- Callie Averett, P, Jr.
- Eva Birkeland, C/P, Jr.
- Joesi Kelly, CF, So.
Key newcomers:
- Gwen Rickard, UT, Fr.
- Kassidy Wardell, UT, Fr.
- Summer Bangerter, 1B/P, Fr.
- Callie Toone, C/3B, Fr.
Coach comment: “Young but athletic and versatile.”
3. South Summit Wildcats
Head coach: Cody Bowen (18th year).
2023 record: 14-13 (tied for second in Region 13 with a 5-3 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 9 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 2-2 record, eliminated by Manti in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 8.2 rpg (No. 10 in 3A).
2023 defense: 7.6 rpg (No. 10 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Brooklyn Peacock, Sr., SS
- Adri Fitzgerald, Sr., P/3B
- Aliyah Aste, Sr., OF
- Emma Broadbent, Jr., 1B
- Mariah Bowen, Jr., 2B
- Toshlyn Louder, Jr., P
- Malia Olson, Jr., OF
Key newcomers:
- Madi Allen, Sr., OF
- Jayvien Clegg, So., P
- Adeline Aste, So., OF/IF
- Maycee Miles, So., C
Coach comment: “Excited for the season. We have eight returning starters and gained valuable experience with a very young team last year. Looking forward to a great schedule and spring.”
4. Union Cougars
Head coach: Evah Taylor (ninth year).
2023 record: 15-12 (tied for first in Region 14 with a 6-2 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 6 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 1-2 record, eliminated by Providence Hall in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 8.9 rpg (No. 6 in 3A).
2023 defense: 8 rpg (No. 11 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Josie Prevedel, OF, Sr.
- Chloe Aland, OF/P, Sr.
- Kadyn Kettle, 1B/3B, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Haylee Moynier, P, So.
Coach comment: “Young talented team with a great work ethic.”
5. Ogden Tigers
Head coach: Brogan Poll (third year).
2023 record: 5-8 (fourth in Region 13 with a 2-6 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 10 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 0-2 record, eliminated by Juab in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 6.5 rpg (No. 16 in 3A).
2023 defense: 10.2 rpg (No. 13 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Abby Thompson, CF/P, Sr.
- Adrianna Martinez, INF, Sr.
- Isabella Rounkles, IF/OF, Sr.
- Steph Robles, IF, Sr.
- Aracely DeLeon, SS, Jr.
- Jill Wood, INF, So.
Key newcomers:
- Bridgette Powell, INF, Soph
- Jasee Anderson, OF, Sr.
- Ashley Davis, INF/OF, So.
- Mia Sugimoto, OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Year three with this group and everything is clicking. A majority of the team has been a three-year starter, with a lot of younger players with experience as well. We will be a competitive team in every game, hit with the best, field with the best. I have high expectations for this group. They are cohesive and hard working and that is all you can ask for as a head coach.”
6. Ben Lomond Scots
Head coach: Jamie Phippen (third year).
2023 record: 7-14 (fifth in Region 13 with a 0-8 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 16 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 1-2 record, eliminated by Emery in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 6.9 rpg (No. 15 in 3A).
2023 defense: 11.6 rpg (No. 16 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Dorothy Jenson, SS/CF, Sr.
- OFa Arreguin, C/SS, Sr.
- Anahi Flores Vasquez, C, Sr.
- Elliot Hauser, 2B/OF, Jr.
- Aleia Huff, P/OF, Jr.
Key newcomers:
- Aniyah Gomez, P, Fr.
- Abigail Hao, P/C, So.
Coach comment: “We graduated a handful of seniors last year that were a big part of our program. The seniors this year are great athletes and leaders. There will be plenty of opportunity for our underclassmen and new players to earn a spot in the starting lineup offensively and defensively. We have had a couple of coaching changes that I think will strengthen our program short term and long term.”
1. Summit Academy Bears
Head coach: April Young (first year).
2023 record: 2-15 (tied for fourth in Region 15 with a 1-7 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 19 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 0-1 record, eliminated by Richfield in 3A play-in game.
2023 offense: 6.1 rpg (No. 18 in 3A).
2023 defense: 18.2 rpg (No. 19 in 3A).
Additional info not provided.
2. Juan Diego Soaring Eagle
Head coach: Andrew Sedillo (first year).
2023 record: 12-9 (second in Region 15 with a 6-2 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 11 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 1-2 record, Eliminated by Manti in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 9.2 rpg (No. 5 in 3A).
2023 defense: 7.4 rpg (No. 9 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- All players will contribute. We have no seniors on the team this year.
Key newcomers:
- Mattie Montoya, SS, Fr.
- Taelah Dick, 1B, Fr.
Coach comment: “Looking forward to the upcoming season.”
3. American Leadership Eagles
Head coach: Corey Edwards (seventh year).
2023 record: 7-9 (third in Region 15 with a 4-4 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 13 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 0-2 record, eliminated by Providence Hall in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 10.9 rpg (No. 2 in 3A).
2023 defense: 11.4 rpg (No. 15 in 3A).
Additional info not provided.
4. Providence Hall Patriots
Head coach: Chad Johnson (first year).
2023 record: 20-8 (first in Region 15 with a 8-0 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 5 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 3-2 record, eliminated by Carbon in 3A one-loss bracket.
2023 offense: 11.1 rpg (No. 1 in 3A).
2023 defense: 5.2 rpg (No. 5 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Tristyn Lenz, 2B.
- Madison Garcia, P.
- Maddy Johnson, SS.
- Alyssa Marcek, C.
- Hailey Lenz, 1B.
- Sara Scott, UTIL.
- Kyx Isakson, CF.
Key newcomers:
- Mariah Garcia, OF.
- Ryleigh Herrera, INF.
- Taycee Metts, P.
- Baylie Juliann, INF.
- Aubrey Beckstead, C.
Coach comment: “We have a strong lineup of talented players with several returning starters as well as a really good group of freshmen that will help our program stay very competitive. Were looking forward to getting back on the field.”
5. Judge Memorial Bulldogs
Head coach: William Hawes (second year).
2023 record: 1-11 (tied for fourth in Region 15 with a 1-7 record).
2023 RPI ranking: No. 18 in 3A.
2023 postseason: 0-1 record, Eliminated by Juab in 3A play-in game.
2023 offense: 5.6 rpg (No. 19 in 3A).
2023 defense: 19.3 rpg (No. 20 in 3A).
Returning contributors:
- Emma Manross, SS/2B/CF, Sr.
- Toni Bullough, 2B, Sr.
- Isabella Haile, P, Jr.
- Kylee Bunting, 1B, Jr.
- Rylie Vigil, C, So.
- Avery Kaleel, 3B/SS, So.
- Emma Terhaar, 3B/LF, So.
Coach comment: “We are looking forward to a fun season. We are still fairly young, but this group is competitive.”