The Unicoi County softball team has its third head coach in as many years as Abby Hensley has taken over for Ray Webb.
Hensley played for Webb’s predecessor Grady Lingerfelt at Unicoi County before moving on to Walters State.
Her debut team will include five seniors on a 15-girls roster. Faith Bennett, Kynzie Jones, Katlyn Nelson and Emma Jones are returning seniors. The other senior is Kylee Hensley, who didn’t play last season after playing as a sophomore.
“Each senior brings something to the team,” said coach Hensley. “Faith Bennett is an athlete all the way around. She is a leader, and we depend on her heavily on defense. She is our starting second baseman.
“Kynzie Jones is our starting third baseman,” she added. “She’s a strong player with her throwing arm and bat.”
Nelson was a bit of a Swiss Army Knife in years past, but the former middle infielder-outfielder has found a home at first base.
“Katlyn Nelson has stepped up to be our first baseman,” Hensley said. “Emma Jones has speed, and is mentally tough on the bases. Kylee Hensley, even after taking a year off, has a strong bat.”
Kyndal Engle can play middle infield and pitch.
“Kyndal also has shown to be a tough offensive out,” Hensley said.
Key players include Kaley Toney, Aaliyah Engle, Kinley Carver and the Woodward sisters (Miley and Kianna).
“Kaley Toney, who plays shortstop, third, first and pitches, is tough at the plate,” Hensley said. “Aaliyah Engle, our lefty, has discipline at the plate. She only swings at pitches she likes.
“The Woodward sisters, Miley and Kianna, are a pair,” the coach added. “Kianna is our starting catcher and isn’t afraid to throw someone out. Miley has had two preseason and one regular season home run. She comes out swinging.
“Kinley Carver, a sophomore, plays center field and tracks the ball well. She isn’t afraid to make those diving plays,” Hensley continued.
Pitching has been the Blue Devils most common nemesis in recent years. Kylee Hensley, Kyndal Engle, Kaley Toney and Aaliyah Engle could combine to begin switching that script, but it might not be overnight.
“Kyndal and Kaley are sophomores and Aaliyah is a freshman,” Hensley said. “We have young pitchers. Our pitchers must focus on hitting our spots. Our speed is not dominant. Our pitchers rely on locations and our defense.”
The Blue Devils pitchers – and rest of the team – could get a baptism by fire.
“Coming in as a new head coach, I wanted to approach this season a little differently,” Hensley said. “I scheduled great teams at the beginning of the season. I fully believe playing hard teams will make you better. With having such a young team we had to gain varsity experience with good teams fast.
“After a few games, I can already see improvement. Our biggest thing for this season, is going to be to make all routine plays, cut down on errors and always play behind our pitcher. We can score, we can swing the bat, but we have to cut down on runs from the opponents.”
The Upper Lakes Conference has traded Volunteer for David Crockett, which seems to basically be a push, although Crockett doesn’t have hard-throwing pitcher Addyson Fisher.
Tennessee High picked up a power arm in Tri-Cities Christian transfer Carly Compton, who struck out 13 and pitched a one-hitter in a 2-1 win against Crockett on March 14. It spoiled the debut of Madelyn Dulaney, a freshman who pitched a three-hitter and struck out 12.
“Our conference is going to be tough,” Hensley said. “Each team is going to have to come out playing. I believe any team is beatable on any given day.”
