Stephanie Ray has ascended from assistant to head softball coach at Carthage High School.
And for Ray, it’s been a seamless transition.
“It’s been a pretty smooth transition,” Ray said. “We’ve been doing a lot of the same things as we did before. I’m just adding my own style to things a little bit. It’s definitely been smooth. The girls were with me on the JV team before, they’ve been with me all summer and we were able to roll right into things.”
Ray’s prior knowledge and familiarity of the program’s players, and the athlete’s comfortability with her, have made the coaching change uncomplicated.
“It’s been good because I didn’t have to spend time trying to get to know the kids,” Ray said. “I already know the talents and abilities they have, so that’s been great.”
Ray previously assisted Mike Godfrey, who retired at the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year. Before her time in Carthage, Ray was the head softball coach at Purdy.
Ray said she’s thrilled to once again lead a program.
“I was a head coach before and then it was nice to take a step back here and work with Mike Godfrey for several years,” Ray said. “I look at Coach Godfrey as a mentor. I learned so much the last five years under him, so it’s an honor that I get to fill his shoes.”
Ray was a standout softball player at Webb City, earning all-conference, all-district and all-state recognition for Walter Resa’s Cardinals.
Ray played collegiately at Labette Community College and Drury University, earning all-conference accolades and academic All-American honors at both schools.
TEAM OUTLOOK
Despite losing six seniors to graduation, the Tigers return a solid core from last year’s squad that went 13-16 and ended the ‘19 season in the district semifinals. Carthage’s junior varsity squad went 15-1-1 last fall.
Senior infielder Katie Crowe, a left-handed slapper, hit .371 and scored 21 runs in 2019.
Sophomore outfielder Landry Cochran batted .340 and drove in 25 runs last fall, earning all-conference recognition as a freshman.
Junior Natalie Rodriguez is another infielder. Ray said Cochran and Rodriguez are likely middle-of-the-order hitters.
“They’re both pretty strong hitters,” she commented.
Junior infielder Presley Probert also returns with plenty of varsity experience.
Junior outfielder Mary Grace Richmond and senior catcher MaKayla Jennings are also expected to contribute nicely this fall.
Jensyn Elder, Kate Potter, Lauren Haws and Ashlynn Jackson are options in the circle.
“We’ve got four pitchers who I think at some point can throw in a varsity game,” said Ray, who teaches health and weight training and is also an assistant with the girls basketball program.
A junior, Elder gained varsity experience the past two years, earning four wins with a 3.02 ERA in 2019.
Ray noted she’s been pleased with her team’s effort and enthusiasm in practice.
“They come in every day to work hard, but they also have fun,” Ray said. “They’ve been super competitive, they listen well, and they’ve been willing to accept and adapt to the things we’ve changed.”
JAMBOREE IS AUG. 25
Carthage will host a jamboree with Joplin, Carl Junction and Neosho on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the Fair Acres Sports Complex. The action begins at 4:30.
CARTHAGE SOFTBALL JAMBOREE
Tuesday, Aug. 25
(At Fair Acres Sports Complex)
4:30—Carthage vs. Carl Junction; Neosho vs. Joplin
5:15—Carthage vs. Neosho; Joplin vs. Carl Junction
6—Carthage vs. Joplin; Carl Junction vs. Neosho
