Holly Hill – A strong late season run led to a state championship for the 2023 Holly Hill Academy softball team. With most of that team returning in 2024, coach Kally Knight has his team focused on a repeat performance.
Holly Hill Academy has started their 2024 season with high expectations as Knight looks to experience and talent to guide the way.
“We are fortunate that we return a good group, girls that have been in the big games,” Knight said. “We have had a few injuries early on but when we can get completely healthy, I think this team is capable of competing with any team we play. What I keep emphasizing to them is to keep the energy level high and to always play with effort. If we stick together it can be a really good season.”
While the pitching will be fairly inexperienced, Knight feels the offense and defense can shoulder the load. He returns a veteran middle infield in shortstop Kayley Bell and second baseman Abigail Burleson, both sophomores but in their third season as a tandem.
Returning behind the plate is junior Kaylee Brabham, who Knight says is “a definite college prospect. She has great power as a hitter and is a physically strong player.”
Junior Chloe Wren is a third-year varsity player and will start at first base, with the ability to also play in the outfield. Freshman Khloe Mizzell is starting at third base as a returner. Freshman Bethany Martin can and will see time at first and third as well.
Two returning starters in the outfield include sophomore Peyton Strickland in right and junior Jayden Franklin in left. A new starter in centerfield will be freshman Kayley Cuttino. Eighth-grader Allie Thomason will see time in the outfield as well.
In the pitching circle will be freshman Taylor Wright, who also rates as one of the leading hitters on the team. Wright is relatively new as a pitcher but Knight sees potential as she gains experience.
“She has a chance to be good as she grows into the position,” the coach said. “The big thing we focus on is throwing strikes, let our good defense play behind her. She works hard at it and she will compete. The key for us will be strikes. We will be able to score some runs and we can play defense.”
All Rights Reserved | The High School Sports Report 1986-2021