BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

The Southwest softball season in the spring brought moments of triumph, personal growth and lasting memories, both on and off the field.

“The 2025 season went very well,” said Emily McCullough, Southwest softball coach. “The Lady Trojans kicked off the season winning the Verona Tournament, as well as placing second in our Conference Tournament. Throughout the season, we were very flexible as we moved girls around until the later half of the season, Simply trying to find the best fit for the greater outcome. Coming into the season, our motto was to work hard every day.

The Lady Trojans did just that — coming in early mornings, going longer in practices and willing to be pushed in sometimes uncomfortable ways. As their coach, I could not have asked for a better group of girls and their willingness and respect to work hard for me throughout the season.”

The team’s progress wasn’t limited to victories alone.

“Throughout the season there was a lot of highs and a few lows,” McCullough said. “There were a handful of times in the season where momentum was gained. Specifically, to kick off the season winning the Verona Tournament, this was a great way to get the confidence the Lady Trojans needed to start a season.

“To gain that confidence, we did not always have to get the win. We faced a very hard loss against Jasper. The Lady Trojans came back the next day at practice ready to work even harder to prepare the next games to the end the season and to Districts. As a coach this encouraged me, showing me their work ethic and when faced with adversity they wanted to work even harder.”

Even with the team’s strong performance, there were areas for growth.

“Throughout a season we always have a goal to try and accomplish,” McCullough said. “So, there were a few goals we did not get to accomplish. However, the work ethic and buy-in with the team is truly what meant the most to me. So, even with not accomplishing all of our goals throughout the season, we accomplished as a team what it meant to work hard and face adversity with a positive mindset.” Among the highlights of the season, one experience stood out most.

“As mentioned, we had a few successful moments with winning the Verona Tournament, placing second in the SWCL Tournament and winning first for our Annual JV Tournament,” McCullough said. “However, the moment that sticks out to me was off the field. We as a team went to watch a Lady Razorbacks softball game. As a coach I want the girls to gain relationships on and off the field, so it was so neat to be able to watch them grow together and as a team to kick off the season.”

This season also marked the end of an era for a senior class McCullough described with deep admiration.

“This group of girls were the true leaders of the Lady Trojans team throughout this spring season,” McCullough said. “Kaleigh Tull always brought a calm presence to the mound and had and continues to push herself in such great ways. She is planning on continuing her softball career at the collegiate level at Northeast Iowa Community College.

“Raeli Miles was always such a treat to watch on the field. She was always seeking ways to level up in the game and challenging herself to becoming the best player she could possibly become. As a coach, that is simply all I could ask for. She was a great leader and a bright spot for the Lady Trojans.”

McCullough said Addison Keates was always asking questions, which she enjoyed.

“That is the best thing I desire as a coach, as it gives me purpose,” McCullough said. “Being a coach, you get to watch girls progress over the years and gain confidence within themselves and in the game. Keates did just that, through lots of one-on-one time and extra time on the field. She worked extremely hard on the field for me so I have no doubts she will do just that in the next chapter of her life.

“Addison Cotton — to know Cotton is to love Cotton,” McCullough said. “She came in clutch for us a few times on the sticks for the Lady Trojans. She was another girl that is a leader and was always willing to get better. Even through constructive criticism, she took it and applied it to her game. Cotton is another that came to every extra off-season training to get better and worked hard while doing it. Her presence will be missed this next season by her work ethic and bright positive attitude.”

Another hard worker was Riley Flippo, especially off the field starting in her junior season, going to the gym every day.

“That meant maybe early mornings or later afternoons,” McCullough said. “Flippo put in the work to see greater results in her game to go to the next level, and she accomplished just that. She will be continuing her career at the collegiate level at Mission University. Flippo’s presence will also be missed as she is such a great leader, works hard with a smile on her face.

“Rebecca Swanepoel is yet another player I can describe as having the best work ethic by attending every summer open field, hitting league or just seeking one-on-one time to improve in the game. Swanepoel was very dedicated to the game. This paid off throughout the season as she came in clutch for the Lady Trojans a handful of times on the sticks. She worked hard for me and always had a smile on her face even facing adversity or slumps. She came back willing to work harder the next time. Swanepoel’s presence will be missed for the Lady Trojans, but I have no doubts she will accomplish great things in her next chapter.”

McCullough said she wanted to take time to express for each senior what they meant to he, as each holds such a great place in her heart.

“They all deserve recognition, as it is evident you can see a recurring theme — each worked so hard on and off the field with great attitudes, and that is all I can ever ask for being their coach,” McCullough said. “It was more of a blessing for me to have this group of seniors.”

Looking ahead, McCullough has high hopes for the team’s returning players.

“Coming up next season the Lady Trojans will have a competitive front,” she said. “Jacee Durossette will hold a strong presence on the mound. She has been a strong leader throughout her career, and I have no doubt she will lead in a positive way her senior season.

“Kindred Durossette will hold a very competitive edge for the Lady Trojans on the sticks and in the field. Kindred will lead in such a bright and positive way through her willingness to work hard and at all costs do what she can to win.”

Gracie Swanepoel is another player who has continued to work hard for over the years.

“I am anticipating her to have a great season full of improvements and goals to be accomplished in the game,” McCullough said. “Addyson Payne will continue to be an asset for the Lady Trojans as she works so hard on and off the field. I only expect Payne to develop more in the game and have a great spring season.”

While the team finished 8-12, McCullough said the results don’t define the season’s success.

“Our motto this season was to keep ‘Movin’ and Groovin’,’” she said. “I had said it at one of our first practices and it stuck. We knew we would need to work hard every game against every competitor. I believe as a team we did just that.

“We had some highs and lows throughout our season. However, each girl came to the field ready to give me their 100% and that is all I can ask for being a coach.”

McCullough is passing the torch to new leadership next season.

“Next season we will have a coach change,” she said. “The head coach will be Melissa Mitchell, and the assistant coach will be Tyler Wallace. I am anticipating such a great season for these two and for the Lady Trojans.”

Whilesoftballremained a focus, McCullough said academics were just as important.

“I want to take time to recognize the Lady Trojans for the academic achievements,” she said. “As a team, we had all girls either on the A Honor Roll or A and B Honor Roll. In addition, we have several who are on track to receiving their Associate’s Degree when graduating. One of our very own, Kaleigh Tull, was Southwest High School’s 2025 Valedictorian.

“The Lady Trojans work hard on the field and off the field. My seniors that graduated, I wish them the very best and have no doubts they will accomplish every goal they set out to accomplish. As for the girls coming up, I have no doubts they will have a successful season. They are willing to work hard and to do whatever they need to do to have a successful season.”

McCullough said it was a great honor for Southwest to give her the coaching opportunity the last few years.

“To work under such great athletes and give me a chance to fail and grow as a coach, I feel very blessed to have started my career in the best place I know,” McCullough said. “I can only think of one way to conclude — there is nothing better than being a Trojan.”