Leadership, work ethic emphasized under first-year coach

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Southwest softball team begins the season under new leadership, with a mix of returning players and new faces as the Lady Trojans work to establish their identity.

The Lady Trojans have four returning varsity starters and seven total letterwinners, including: Jacee Durossette, Kindred Durossette, Abigail Callison, Brianna Hoover, Gracie Swanepoel, Addyson Payne and Bella Meyers.

Melissa Mitchell, in her first year as head coach at Southwest, said in the circle, the Lady Trojans will rely on a pair of pitchers to lead the way.

“Jacee Durossette (Senior) will hold a strong presence on the mound for the Lady Trojans,” Mitchell said. “Jacee will and has been a strong leader throughout her career as a Lady Trojan, and I have no doubt she will lead in a positive way her Senior season. She will bring control and consistency as well as her leadership to the mound this season.

“Addyson Payne (Junior) will continue to be an asset for the Lady Trojans as she works so hard on and off the field to give the best she absolutely can for not only herself but the team. I expect her to develop more in the game and have a great spring season. In addition, Addyson will bring simplicity to the mound to get the job done!”

Behind the plate, the Lady Trojans will look to a returning contributor and a newcomer.

“Gracie Swanepoel (Junior) has continued to work hard over the years, so I am anticipating for her to have a great season full of improvements and goals to be accomplished in the game,” Mitchell said. “Gracie is also such a hard worker willing to go above and beyond to get the job done, very much looking forward to her leadership on and off the field.

“I also expect us to use Addison Edie as well. She is new to the team, and I am so excited to see all she can do. I think she is going to be a great addition to our team.”

Across the field, Southwest will be working to solidify roles following significant roster turnover.

“We have several new faces and lost six seniors last year, so we are eager to determine the best fit for this season,” Mitchell said.

Leadership will come from both upperclassmen and key returning players.

“My four seniors, Jacee, Kindred, Abigail and Bri, will be our leaders,” Mitchell said. “Addy and Gracie will also serve as leaders. As a first year coach, I can tell that these girls will be a wonderful example of the leadership I want for our team.”

Mitchell said the team’s willingness to learn and improve stands out early.

“I think some of our strengths will be that this group seems to be very coachable,” Mitchell said. “They want to work to improve and are constantly working hard.”

Establishing a foundation will be a priority in the program’s first year under new leadership.

“I want us to work on being fundamentally sound and doing the little things the right way,” Mitchell said.

Expectations for the season center on development and building a positive culture.

“My expectations are for the girls to work hard, improve their game and skills, and to have fun this season,” Mitchell said. “I am looking forward to getting to be a part of it this spring!”

Mitchell said the coaching staff is focused on creating the right environment moving forward.

“Me and my assistant coach are both in our first year of coaching in our positions,” she said. “We are looking forward to creating a positive ‘work for it’ environment and hope to give the girls some ownership in our team. We are excited to work and have fun this season.”

The Lady Trojans are currently 1-4 and will next host Hurley on Thursday at 5 p.m.