The Columbia Academy Lady Cougars softball team begins its season Friday night and will be led by first-year head coach Kyle Wilks.
Wilks, who was previously an assistant, said it’s been a good transition for him in his inaugural season as the Lady Cougars head coach. He said they began practicing just before school let out in May but that it’s tough having the whole team together with the season taking place in the fall.
“That means our practice time is during the summer, and during the summer you’re having to compete with the other sports camps, vacations, church camps and different things going on that makes it tough. But I feel like the girls have bought in to what we’re trying to do and have done well,” he said. “We’ve had good participation in our practices this summer, and we’re looking forward to getting cranked up Friday.”
The Lady Cougars are led by three seniors, Bailey Buckley, Kyla Williams and Trenity Key, who Wilks said will play a big role in establishing a new culture.
“We’re kind of rebuilding our program. We’ve got girls from sixth grade to seniors, so I’m counting on some younger girls to step in and contribute,” he said. “I feel like we’re going to be competitive, though, and be competitive. I think we’re going to hit the ball well and play sound defense.”
Wilks added that while the Lady Cougars don’t have one dominant pitcher, they have a lot they will rely on, including Buckley, Maggie Wilks, Presley Dease, Alana Bullock and Allie Watts.
Columbia Academy begins its season at home at 6:30 Friday and will play in the Simpson Tournament Saturday in Magee. The Lady Cougars will play at PCS Monday and host PCS Aug. 1. The Lady Cougars begin district play at home Aug. 5 against Wayne Academy.
The Lady Cougars include Buckley, Williams, Key, Wilks, Dease, Bullock, Watts, Maddie Claire Sauls, Megan Rowley, Carrie Stringer, Molly Sauls, Ema Crain, Olivia Holmes, Delaney Smith, Briley Sullivan, Harley Herring, Kennedy Thomas, Maggie Smith, Madie Lee and Maddie Edwards.
