BIG FOOT SOFTBALL OPENS SEASON MARCH 27
HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
Big Foot senior Kate Hummel will be one of the few returning players looking to lead the Lady Chiefs this season.
Big Foot Softball will begin their 2026 season with several players looking to fill big shoes left by the seniors who left at the end of last season, many of the newcomers being freshmen fighting for their first varsity innings.
According to Head Coach Troy Hummel, the team is coming off two successful seasons, but will be in a rebuilding stage after losing six seniors last year with five of them being in main positions.
Four returning players have experience starting, all three captains and seniors, Kate Hummel, Claire Patek and Mylee Walter, and then junior Leah Paulsen.
"I see them at the top of our order and being positive leaders all around to help our younger players," Hummel said.
Kate Hummel has been a varsity player all four years of her high school career. She was a a first Team All-Conference selection for back-to-back seasons with her strength being 3rd base but according to Coach Hummel will be relied on to pitch this year as well.
Patek has been a three-year varsity player and voted second Team All-Conference at the catcher position last year.
Walter was an Honorable Mention for All-Conference and plays left field and Paulsen will play her opposite on right field.
"Our Coaching Staff is excited to see who steps up to replace those key positions at Pitcher, Shortstop, 2nd base, and first base," Hummel said. "In the running for those spots are junior Skylar Mahley who will need to make the next step in playing varsity innings and sophomore Sophia Kinane will have a year under her belt which will help playing varsity softball."
According to Coach Hummel, a few freshmen vying for open spots are Kyleigh Nichels, Cassidy Vilona, Brooklyn Stewart, Aria Reeves, Emma Patek who have experience playing travel ball and will need to be ready for the intensity of varsity softball.
"Those core girls have been putting in the time at open gym which should help build the bonds for the Season ahead," Coach Hummel said.
Big Foot Softball will begin their season with a scrimmage at Elkhorn on March 21, but their first official games begin at home on Friday, March 27 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m.
