By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
ATHENS — With six starters returning, and some talented youngsters joining the team, Athens softball coach Brian Wendell is excited for the 2025 season to get started.
"The first thing we did a couple years ago was focus on defense, and worked on the little things," said Wendela.
"It's nice because this year the girls are already on the same page defensively, so we can work harder on the finer things like base-running and bunting.
"With a lot of experience back, the girls being on the same page, some growing confidence with another year of experience, and some talented young players — there's a lot of exciting things going on this year," added Wendela.
Freshman Memphis Paul will start at catcher, with the remainder of the infield returning in tact.
Junior Savannah Finan will start at first base, with junior Maddie Hiley at third base, and junior Danica May and senior Ella Coyle comprising the double-play combo at second base and short stop, respectively.
Freshmen Andrea Davis, Emma Williams, and Kendall Galasso could also see some time in the infield.
Sophomore McKenna Jarvis returns to anchor the outfield in center field, with senior Jules Pack returning to play left field.
Senior Gretchen Schmieg will start in right field, but Galasso, Davis, and freshman Abby Ahern could also see some time there.
Gretchan Hiley will get the majority innings in the pitcher's circle, and Maddie Hiley will see some time there as well.
One notable absence from the roster is all-star pitcher Savannah Persun, who will miss her senior season after sustaining a major knee injury at the end of soccer season.
"Savannah (Persun) has worked hard over the years," said Wendela. She was excited about her senior year, and going out with some fireworks.
"We were looking forward to having Savannah and Gretchan (Hiley) ... they were like a two-headed monster with two different pitching styles," noted Wendela. "Savannah was more about hitting spots, and Gretchan would come in spinning the ball a little more; that threw teams out of balance a little bit.
"We were looking forward to having that as a weapon, and it would have been a real big weapon.
"It's going to hurt us, but we are really excited about Gretchan Hiley — she is the real deal," added Wendela. "She's going to be pretty solid."
Wendela believes his team's defense and player versatility will be a major strength for the Wildcats in 2025.
"I think we play solid defense," he said. "We've been stressing taking care of the ball. If we do that, I think the rest will take care of itself.
"We have the ability to play a power line-up, and we have the ability to play a small-ball line-up," noted Wendela. "We have a lot of options, especially with a lot of our newcomers who have put a lot of time in. The young girls are jumping right in, and there are some real live-bats there.
"There are a lot of things we can do, a lot of options that we're excited about," added Wendela. "We're going to be dangerous in a lot of ways, if we can just piece it all together."
Wendela's major concern is his team's mental game.
"I think I may worry too much, but I question where our focus is at times," he said.
"We did get a little taste of success last year, but I don't want it going to their heads," noted Wendela. "We still haven't earned anything.
"We want to win an NTL Championship, and we want to win a District 4 Championship. Until we do something like that, we can't get too comfortable.
"I just worry about the focus level at times, but when they do put it together, and practice hard, good things are happening," Wendela added.
Wendela said his team's goals remain the same.
"We always have the goals of winning an NTL Championship, and winning a District 4 Championship.
"I wouldn't lie to anybody, the ultimate goal is to win a state championships — what are playing for if that's not your goal?" said Wendela.
"But, it's one game at a time," he added. "The NTL is really tough, I don't think people understand how good our league is. We had eight teams make it to the postseason, so it's not an easy night on any given night — it's tough softball."
AROUND THE NTL LARGE SCHOOL
"I think until someone knocks off North Penn-Liberty they are the team to beat," said Wendela. They lost a pitcher, but replaced her with a very solid pitcher," said Wendela. "I respect their coaching more than anything.
"Obviously, Troy is going to be tough," added Wendela. "And, Towanda should also be tough this year."
Athens opens the 2025 season at home this afternoon against Troy.
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IN PHOTO: Athens coach Brian Wendela.
