Softball has been a part of Maddie Lopez’s life for as long as she can remember. It created a special bond between her and her father as he coached her up through junior high.

After a run to the regional semifinals a season ago, Windthorst looks to keep improving after returning all nine starters from last year’s squad. A young team last year, the Trojanettes are dangerous this year, instilled with a confidence following a deep playoff run.

Windthorst (24-5) earned a share of the district championship before exiting in the bi-district round of the playoffs to Cisco. The Trojanettes have a lot to be optimistic about as Heather Stark’s squad returns all but one player for next season.

Windthorst senior Cooper Wolf is a man of few words but as someone that’s been through the fire with the Trojans, when he talks, his teammates listen. “The thing about Cooper is he’s really quiet,” Trojans head coach Scott Belcher said.

Windthorst senior Marisa Frazier is one of the two remaining players from Alyson Deatherage’s state tournament team in 2019. She’s been through the ups and downs of the seasons and has seen it all on the softball field.

Replacing four multiyear varsity starters is never easy at the Class 2A level but Windthorst head coach Scott Belcher this year’s Trojan team can do just that. “I feel really good,” Belcher said.

Windthorst (14-13) claimed a postseason berth with a thrilling overtime win over rival Archer City but unfortunately came up short in the bi-district round against Cisco. The Trojans will be on the hunt for a new coach for the 2022-23 season.

The Trojans finished fourth last year in District 9-2A. Head Track Coach Daniel Cole said, “The goal is to move up the ladder in the district point totals and possibly compete for a title, however, numbers will hold us back some.” To move up in the point standings the Trojans will rely on a stable of hurdlers.

Head Track Coach Kent Thomas made no bones about the future saying, “We’re shooting for a district championship, but I want these young guys to have a great bit of success this year and gain confidence and stay hooked so I can count on them next year. I’m telling you, those young relay teams, if I can keep them together, then in a couple of years you ask me if we will have some state qualifiers and I will give you some shoe ins for that.”

The Holliday Lady Eagle track roster has two runners with Class 3-A state competition medals. Hannah Spears earned gold medals in the 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs at the state meet last spring. Jayce Lyons was a bronze medalist at the state meet in the 1600 meters. Credit to those accomplishments but make no mistake the Lady Eagle track team is loaded with talent.