CM Softball Ready to Build a Winning Culture Under New Leadership

MILL HALL – A new era is beginning for Central Mountain softball, and first-year head coach Taylor Thompson is ready to make an impact after a successful run by retired coach Fred Caldwell. With a strong foundation of returning talent, promising newcomers, and a renewed focus on culture, the Lady Wildcats are aiming high for the 2024 season.

One of Thompson’s primary objectives is establishing a strong team culture. “I believe that culture is the foundation that builds a successful team and program,” she said. “We’re incorporating some new training programs to maximize our performance and make sure our players are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The Lady Wildcats are setting their sights on a deep playoff run, but Thompson knows success won’t come overnight. “We absolutely have high expectations this season,” she said. “For us to make a postseason run, we need to continue to get our reps in and set goals one day at a time. Every girl on this team plays an important role in getting us there.”

The foundation is in place, and Thompson believes the team has the talent to compete at a high level. “We have the skills to get the job done,” she added. “It’s all about staying focused on our goals and our mission.”

One of Central Mountain’s strengths this season will be its depth in the pitching circle. With a mix of experience and versatility, the Lady Wildcats are well-equipped to handle the demands of a long season. “We have two solid lefty pitchers at varsity this year, Camdyn Weaver and Joselyn Shultz, and I’m very excited about what they bring to the team,” Thompson said. “Across both the varsity and JV levels, we have a lot of versatility in our pitching staff, and we’ll use that depth to our advantage.”

Offensively, the Lady Wildcats are poised to be a threat up and down the lineup. Thompson is confident in the firepower her team brings to the plate. “This team has so much potential offensively,” she said. “When I sit down to make a lineup, I truly feel confident in every spot, 1-9. Cora Myers brings a ton of power, but each girl in our lineup will be a threat.”

Several newcomers will have a chance to make an impact this season. Aubrey Eiler is expected to provide stability at second base while also contributing with the bat. Two freshmen, Aubrey Miller and Mallory Wunder, bring versatility and could play key roles throughout the season.

With a competitive conference schedule ahead, Thompson knows the Lady Wildcats will have to bring their best effort each game. “Our conference is solid all around,” she said. “Jersey Shore and Williamsport are always big matchups for us. They’ve been classic rivals, and with the close proximity, those games always draw a good crowd.”

This year’s roster includes 23 players, with 12 on varsity and nine on JV, along with a few who will split time between both teams. Thompson’s coaching staff includes Bree Hilty and Caitlyn Watson, with Gracie Saar and Madalyn Bechdel serving as volunteers. Notably, all of them are Central Mountain alumni.

“I think it’s really special that our entire coaching staff are former players,” Thompson said. “We’ve been in their shoes, and we know what it takes to compete at a high level.”

Before stepping onto the field, the Lady Wildcats gathered for a team meeting to define their identity. “As a group, we met in the library to discuss the importance of culture and core values,” Thompson said. “The girls worked together to come up with their top five core values that will define us as a team. I hope the community sees how hard these girls work and supports us in our mission to create something special here for Central Mountain Softball.”

With a new leader at the helm and a clear vision for the future, the Lady Wildcats are ready to make their mark this season.