Athletics News
Season Preview: Softball
The excitement surrounding the Lady Indians softball team is contagious. Tallulah Falls will officially begin a new era with their first varsity season. Optimism abounds due to last year’s successful JV season in which the girls went 7-8 including piecing together a perfect 4-0 record at home.
Key seniors Tahj Charlton and Allie Phasavang graduated, but they paved the way for the returning players. Those individuals benefited from last year’s experience, even if it meant learning on the fly.
Sophomore pitcher Callie Craver was the ace last season, even throwing a no-hitter while taking the bulk of the innings for TFS. Others who played big roles and will be relied on heavily include seniors Katie Anderson, Rylee Vandiver, and Alana Strachan, as well as juniors Charlotte Stafford and Abby McCoy.
Incoming players that are expected to play a big role include freshman Payton McEntire, junior Bailey Crumley, and sophomore Stephanie Celestin. Coach Jenny Long takes over the reins of the program, and has laid out the expectations for this young team.
“This will be our first year at the varsity level,” says Long. “Competition will be tough because the programs are established. Our goal is to have a fundamentally sound team and compete at the highest level we can. We're looking forward to coaching this team; gonna work hard and do our best.”
The Lady Indians will adopt the mantra of ‘GRIT’, which stands for: growth mindset, always seeking to improve; resilient in the face of challenges; initiative to take action and pursue goals; tenacious, never giving up despite setbacks.
TFS will open the season on August 2 at Banks County in a double-header. The first home game is slated for August 22 against Athens Christian. The schedule features seven home games including an October 3 regular season finale against Bethlehem Christian, which is Senior Night. The state playoffs will go from October 17-19.