By Chris Cox

As Jeremy Bates begins his first year as the head coach of the Ringling Blue Devils, he is excited about what this team has to offer.

“Kids want to play softball here,” says Bates. “It’s where I want to build something, not only this year but for years to come.” 

Leading the way for Ringling is pitcher Meghan Roberts. She was 20-7 last year with a 1.67 ERA and 164 strikeouts to just 30 walks. 

“She’s our senior ace this fall in the circle,” says Bates. “She’s a standout athlete on the field and is our leader. She does a great job helping her teammates understand what it takes to be successful.” 

Roberts’s success goes beyond the pitching circle. Not only is she Ringling’s ace, she’s also their best offensive player. Roberts led the team in almost every offensive category last year batting .461, with 29 RBI, 37 stolen bases, and 34 runs scored. 

Other seniors expected to lead Ringling this year are first baseman Hadon Wade and outfielder Sarah Southward.

“They are hard workers,” Bates says. “Softball is a priority to them. That’s a big thing for me. I want kids that want to be here.”

Along with those seniors, juniors Jordan Furr and Bri Wright also bring experience to Ringling squad. Furr, who will play second base, is a consistent bat in the middle of the lineup for Ringling. Wright is a catcher that Bates says give 100 percent on every play and will be a big part of Ringling’s success because of her ability to both catch and hit.

Like most teams, underclassmen will play a big part in any success Ringling has. Sophomore third baseman Jessi Lester hit .427 last year and really puts pressure on opposing pitchers with her hitting ability. Finally, freshman Emma Skinner will be used both in the infield and the outfield and Bates believes she will be a difference maker this year. 

Ringling opens their season August 10th when they face Marietta.