By Ember McElrath
Stepping up to bat as head coach for the Ninnekah High School fast pitch softball team, Terry Jones Jr. is excited to follow the great Glen Shoekmake and his legacy after he retired following the end of last season.
“We expect to have another strong, winning season in 2021 with high expectations for a solid playoff run,” said coach Jones.
Ninnekah softball is returning three of their senior players.
“Our bench is not very deep, but we have a few freshmen that are hungry for playing time and are working hard,” coach Jones said.
The team has two starting pitchers, Jerzie Baker and Sydney Jackson, with a possible third in Kenzie Jerdee, who is currently out with an injury.
Coach Jones knows that the team can accomplish just about anything they want to this year as long as they can stick together.
“Our first big test is ourselves,” said coach Jones. “Overcoming adversity in our community right now and binding together as one unit is our goal. Our motto is, “All In,” this year!”
This season the team is ready to give the fans what they want and compete at a high level.
“Fans can expect to see an exciting brand of softball with lots of runs scored that is paired with great pitching and catching,” said coach Jones. “We are aggressive in every aspect of the game.”
One of their great leaders is Chloe Schwenk who will likely start behind the plate.
“She is a junior and our catcher who bats four-hole for us,” said Jones. “Her energy is unmatched by anyone I have seen in the game and paired with an extremely high ball IQ.”
His team is just packed with talent this year, which can bring a different type of pressure.
“We returned two All-Conference players in Raegan Robinson and Chloe Schwenk. Adding twins Sydney and Savannah Jackson that are pitcher and catcher combos that hit for power,” coach Jones said. “This all combined with a solid sophomore class that includes Julie Jones and Lexi Shoemake; returning starters like power hitter Gracie Burgess and Jerzie Baker that can do a little bit of everything sure rounds out a very tough lineup for Class A.”
