CHICKASHA FIGHTIN’ CHICKS

Coach: LAUREN WHATLEY

OUTLOOK

Chickasha will be rebuilding from the ground up in 2023 under head coach Lauren Whatley, who must replace the production of 10 seniors from a year ago. “We are extremely young this year, after graduating 10 seniors last season. But we have a lot of fight and this team works really hard to improve day in and day out,” Whatley said. “They may be young, but they are fighters and never give up. We have a great pitcher in the circle and several key players backing her up. As long as the bats get rolling we will be in the mix at the end of the season.” The Fightin’ Chicks will count heavily on junior infielder Bayle Bingham, who will be in her third year as a starter and is a VYPE Top 100 nominee. “Bayle will be a junior and she is the only returning starter from the previous two seasons,” Whatley said. “She has played many different positions over the past two years, but this season she should find her home in the infield at shortstop or second. She has a great stick and she will be one of the main leaders on this young softball team.” Lorren Burrows will take over the lead role from the pitcher’s circle in 2023 after some spot starts last year. She also provides a solid bat in the lineup. “She got a few starts last season, but she had a strong senior in the circle to play behind. This year, Lorren is the ace in the middle, and with her work ethic and ability to throw a nasty changeup, she will make a huge difference for the Fightin’ Chicks in the circle by being able to keep hitters off balance,” Whatley said. “Along with her pitching, Lorren will be one of the top hitters for the Chicks. She swings a pretty hot bat, and has some power to go with it.” Whatley will count on transfer Carley Ryan as a freshman. Ryan, who was previously at Pioneer, can play multiple positions. “Carley will play a huge role for the Fightin’ Chicks this year with her versatility of being able to catch, play infield, or outfield depending on the game and what is needed,” Whatley said. “Carley brings speed to the lineup and she is an eagle eye at the plate. Carley will be a game changer for the Lady Chicks’ lineup this season.” Catcher Brooke Richardson, position player/pitcher Aubrey Coble and outfielder Mykayle Shearer will also play key roles this season. “Brooke is going to be filling the shoes of some great catchers that played before her. But with her work ethic and athletic ability I think she will be a force to be reckoned with behind the plate,” Whatley said. “Then her bat is hot, and she has a lot of power to go with it. Brooke will be another leader for the Chicks, and a crucial hitter in the offensive lineup.”