STAYING FOCUSED

STORY BY DAN SMITH

As a graduate and former player of Charles Henderson High, first-year head coach Allie Park Singleton knows of the expectations, she is aware of the community pride, and she understands what is expected every season for Lady Trojan softball.

“I played at Charles Henderson High, I graduated in 2005, and I played varsity from my 7th grade year for Ronnie Baker, Coach Steve Haug and then Jerry Goodson after that,” said Coach Singleton. “I bleed Orange and Blue. I was there as an assistant coach under Robin Snyder and learned a lot under him. It is very special. I have a lot of players and coaches that have become lifelong friends. I want to give back what those years gave to me, to these kids and young girls, learning to love the game, have them to just develop as a player as I did back then. It means the world to me.”

For this Spring of 2023, Coach Singleton looks to restructure a team that lost seven key players from a year ago. While many will vie for playing time at multiple positions, one thing the Lady Trojans have an abundance of this year is enthusiasm and confidence.

“Oh my gosh, they are so excited,” said Coach Singleton. “Since I got hired we have been trying to learn the girls. We’ve got a brand new coach and a brand new team from last year. We’re developing catchers, we have some older girls. We have some younger girls that are going to play JV, we have some girls that are going to play varsity and they are all trying to compete for a spot.

“I think more than anything, we have been practicing JV and varsity together because we have some girls that are playing basketball and some are cheerleaders. It really is an exciting time. Everybody is learning each other and learning to work together. Really and truly that is probably the most important part. I am not teaching them how to play softball, I’m teaching them about people skills and teaching them how to deal with adversity and to learn discipline and leadership. To me, we want to win ballgames, but at the end of the day, I hope they just learn how to be good people.”

For the Lady Trojans to win games in ’23, Coach Singleton knows her girls must produce in all phases of the game, but more importantly, the Lady Trojans must believe in themselves.

“For us to be successful, I have been telling them we are going to have to be creative in our offense,” said Coach Singleton. “We have been doing a lot of hitting, a lot of situations, as well as bunting. We have several left-handed girls and some speed. I am really trying to utilize them. Hannah Sparrow will be our ace pitcher, but we also have Molly Garrett who is a junior that can move the ball really well, and Olivia Kirkpatrick. She did not pitch a whole lot last year, but she is very accurate, and hits her spots well. Kelly Compton will be one of our main catchers. She is only in the eighth grade but will be playing varsity. She has a really good bat, she is fast, quick and smart.

“In a drill recently some of the girls got mad at me and asked what was my definition of an error, and if I was going to be hard on them. I asked them if they wanted to be good or do you want to be great. Yes, I’m going to be tough on them. I want to have high expectations. You cannot be mediocre and expect to win a lot of ballgames. I’m trying to push them.”

There are only five seniors for CHHS this Spring in Hannah Sparrow, Olivia Kirkpatrick, Arial Frazier, K.K. Hobdy and Milea Ward, but Coach Singleton knows each one brings special talents and leadership to this squad.

“We have been talking about controlling what we can control,” said Coach Singleton. “I have been preaching that to the girls. The girls have suggested we get a shirt that says that. We cannot control rough days and umpires and fans, and more.

“I don’t want to keep talking about last year’s team that had seven starters that we are losing, but the girls have been hitting the ball well. We have done front toss, live BP, hitting off live pitching, and we have been putting the ball in play. We have been doing situational hitting under pressure.”

The Lady Trojans are in Class 5A, Area 4, along with Greenville, Holtville and Brewbaker Tech.

“They will all be competitive,” said Coach Singleton. “In all of the practices I am preparing our girls for the competition that is ahead. We are looking forward to it. I want to compete in the area tournament and go to Gulf Shores and the Region Tournament.”

In addition to the five seniors, CHHS will depend on every player from every grade level to contribute. Coach Singleton also believes this season is not about the games on the varsity schedule, but building the program for the future as well.

“From 7th to 12th graders, we have a lot of players that are very talented,” said Coach Singleton. “As a program, I want it to be our goal to help develop these younger players that are coming up so Charles Henderson softball will have a building program. I want them to learn each other and learn to love the game, and learn to give back.

“I know it is going to be a building year, but I think some people are going to be surprised. It is going to be fun. Yes, this year is important, but to me, I am looking at the big picture. Wins and losses, yes, that is a huge thing, but ultimately, I want these kids to be able to look back and be proud. It is awesome to see these kids building, with 7th and 8th graders learning and bonding. It’s cool.”

The roster for the Lady Trojans in 2023 includes Olivia Kirkpatrick, Jada Jones, Lakayla Sellers, Aderian Greenwood, Tailor Hobdy, Calleigh Compton, Reece Garrett, Mileah Ward, K.K. Hobdy, Hannah Sparrow, Molly Garrett, Aeriel Frazier, Mary Hayden West and Janazia Cantlow.

Class: 5A

Area: 4

Field: Charles Henderson

High School Softball Field

Colors: Orange and Blue