By Chris Cox

Entering her first year on the job, new Thackerville head coach Kenna Hunter wants to establish a culture at Thackerville that will garner attention from all the other schools in Class B.

“We want to build a program and for people to know who we are,” Hunter says. “We want people to know that we act the right way, respect our opponent, work hard, and go out and give it our all every time.”

While she hasn’t been able to spend a lot of time around her Lady Wildcats, Hunter says she pleased with what she has seen so far.

“These girls are all hard working, positive, and coachable,” she says. “They are a fun group of girls. They’re goofy but know when to get serious and compete.”

To build a culture you need team leaders to buy in. Hunter says that is happening starting with Thackerville’s lone senior, Rylee Noland. While Noland will be utilized all over the field Hunter says her leadership, even more than her versatility, is what this team needs.

“She’s a really great kid,” Hunter says of Noland. “She’s encouraging to the other girls and, I think, having someone like that will help the younger girls see how to act.”

Another girl taking on a leadership role this year is junior shortstop Kaitlynn McCage. 

“People just kind of follow her,” Hunter says. “She is the hardest working kid on our team and is a leader with how she carries herself. She is always willing to get better and be coached.”

Two freshmen that Hunter is really excited to see on the field are pitcher Raygan Barnes and catcher Kylee Byars. 

Hunter knows building a winning tradition could take some time, but she believes this team is ready to compete now.

 “I expect to make it to the district tournament,” Hunter says “There, I think we’ll have a shot to win, just depending on who we get.”

The Thackerville Lady Wildcats open their season on August 9th with a double-header against Waurika and Wilson.