Chesterfield softball set to contend once again

David Shelton • March 27, 2025

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By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Chesterfield – With memories of winning the AA state title two seasons ago, the Chesterfield High softball team is looking to make another run at the top prize this spring.

The Rams advanced to the district finals of the AA playoffs last year and return a host of players that are ready to make a statement. Chesterfield will be battle-tested all season from a very competitive region 4-AA schedule that includes North Central and Buford, two of the four Lower State finalists last season.

Graham Harpe is beginning his second season as the head coach. Harpe likes his team’s overall potential.

“We should be very competitive with any team on the schedule,” Harpe said. “We have a lot of pieces back and several have more than a year of experience. If we play to our potential and get everyone going at the same time, we have a chance. It won’t be easy in our region but it never is. We won the state title two years ago and didn’t win the region. The tough region prepares all of the teams for the playoffs.”

The Rams are 1-1-1 to start the season, owning a win and a tie against Dillon while losing to Catawba Ridge.

“Little sluggish and sloppy at times but I feel good about what we can be,” Harpe said. “I think this team will hit pretty well and score runs. We scored 14 against Dillon so that’s a good sign.”

The top returning player is senior shortstop Kayleigh Eubanks, a returning all-state performer and a fourth-year starter. Eubanks is joined on the left side of the infield by Kai Pace, a senior third baseman, one of the top hitters in the batting order.

Taking on duties at second base is sophomore Baylie Harpe, a returning starter as well. Senior Kendall Brock returns as the starting first baseman while sophomore Jamison Miles returns behind the plate.

“Defensively we should be pretty solid on the infield,” Harpe said.

Freshman Trinity Traxler is the team’s No. 1 pitcher but has help. Expected to see time inside the circle are eighth-graders Ashton Cassidy and Sydney Sowell. Sowell also starts in centerfield.

“I feel good about all three. Pitching is solid for us,” Harpe said.

Seniors Marah Brock, Michaela Lisenby, and Arianna Vanderpool are seeing most of the action in the outfield. Vanderpool is one of the top hitters and has pitched some in the past.

Rounding out the roster are Jenna Stafford, Jordan Evans, Justyce Sellers, and Harley Hatcher.

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First Baptist Hires New AD and Football Coach

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025

By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.