Weatherford enters the upcoming fastpitch softball season with renewed optimism after finishing 12-15 a year ago, and head coach Rick Morris believes experience will be a key factor in the team’s improvement.
“We are looking forward to a much better season than a year ago,” Morris said. “We were very young last season, so the experience gained should be a plus.”
Now entering his 11th season leading the program, Morris expects that growth to translate into more consistency on both sides of the ball. With several returning players who gained valuable varsity experience, Weatherford aims to turn last year’s growing pains into this season’s success.
Leading the way is senior Jossalynn Schulz, a dynamic center fielder who brings a rare blend of athleticism and offensive production. Morris praised Schulz’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
“Joss has that rare combination of speed and power,” he said. “She reads the ball as well as any center fielder I have seen and has the speed to track it down. At the plate, Joss will hit for both average and power.”
Schulz’s presence in the lineup and the outfield gives Weatherford a dependable cornerstone as the team looks to take a step forward.
Another key contributor is Addie Blackwell, who is poised for a breakout season as a junior. Blackwell has already
shown versatility, transitioning from the outfield as a freshman to the infield as a sophomore.
“She continues to improve every year and is looking to have a breakout season as a junior,” Morris said.
Her continued development adds depth and flexibility to the roster, something that could prove valuable over the course of the
season.
Weatherford also has a promising underclassman in Skyler Calkins, who made an impact as a freshman and is expected to expand her role as a sophomore. Calkins saw time at third base before moving behind the plate late in the season.
“Skyler spends countless hours working on her craft and has shown a lot of promise,” Morris said.
With a more experienced roster, emerging talent and established leadership, Weatherford is focused on turning last season’s lessons into a stronger showing this spring
