Head Coach Rick Pauly is in his second full season guiding the Pioneer Softball program.

“This program has made significant strides in all facets and is now ready to challenge the upper levels of Junior College teams” says Pauly. “Academically, athletically, and socially the program is now populated with young ladies that aspire to achieve at the highest levels both in the classroom and on the softball field”.

This year’s group of players consists of nine returners from last year and will be strengthened by the addition of 13 incoming freshmen.  The returners are lead by All-Region players Whitney Wiles and Anna Oswald.  Returning pitchers Ashley McGuirk and Chelsi Edwards will be the foundation of what appears to be a strong and deep staff.  Both ranked high nationally in JUCO strikeout ratio statistics their freshman year. Outfielders Bree Shirley, coming off season ending shoulder surgery, and Jessica Ledbetter are both very fast defensively and offensively.  Returners to the infield defense are Lauren Huggins at second base, Katy Williams a power hitting first baseman and Amber Hartley last season’s stalwart catcher.  These girls have been very dedicated to the program and will be looked to for their leadership.

This year’s group of new recruits is possibly the strongest in the history of SMC softball.  Five of them are All State Selections and additionally, seven of them were invited to compete in the annual South Carolina High School All Star games. Three of the new recruits hale from north of the border in the Toronto, Canada area and are some of the top players in that region.

“We have added players at all defensive positions so competition within the team will be keen” states Pauly.  As always, pitching is key to winning championships and SMC has added pitchers Jennifer Lamonica from Canada, Heather Robinson also from Canada, Brittany Scoggins an All Region pitcher from Boiling Springs and All State pitcher Holly Hyder from Landrum.

 “We should definitely have the depth and skills to compete within the JUCO Region 10 and with the area NCAA schools we will play” says Pauly. 

The outfield has been bolstered by the addition of All State/All Star players Shantee Rivers of Dutch Fork HS, Alyssa Starkie from Chapman HS,  and Morgan Green from Daniel HS. Pauly states that “these girls are all great densively and because of their speed will be real threats offensively on the bases. Additions to the catching position will be Cayce Minton and All State player from Rock Hill HS and Nicole Wierenga a four year starter at Stratford HS.  One of the great things about these two girls is their versatility. They are very athletic and capable of playing several other positions. 

The incoming infielders are a strong group of All State selections.  Laura Trout a shortstop from Stratford HS, Alex Windham a second baseman from Fort Mill HS, and Brooke Lewis a third baseman from Polk County, NC  HS are joined in the infield by Jayme Sky a Provincial All Star third baseman/shortstop from Toronto.

 “Coaching this group of girls should be very exciting”, says Pauly. “The talent level will make for strong internal competition which will translate to being very competitive in our challenging fall and spring schedule.”

The schedule this year will be the most competitive in the history of the program.  The fall schedule will include four area tournaments including twenty games with NCAA DI and DII programs.  Additionally, two double headers are scheduled with D-I and D-II teams.

“We will really be challenged this fall, but I do think we have the players to compete”, says Pauly.  The spring season is packed full of games with the top JUCO teams on the five state area and as always our Region 10 schedule will be extremely tough. 

Pauly states, “we expect to be in the thick of the race for the regular season championship and to be at the top in our season ending tournament. The goal is to get to the National Tournament this year and I believe we have the team to do it”.

“A huge key to the programs’ success lies with the assistant coaches. I have two of the best people I could hope for to assist me.  Brian Pack from Boiling Springs will be in his second year with our program.  He is a very knowledgeable fastpitch coach and may be the hardest working coach I’ve been around. He is great with both the infield and outfield coaching”, Pauly says.

 Sarah Pauly, a former NCAA DI All American, will be back to coach our pitching staff again this season.  She is one of the top pitchers in the Country as evidenced by her MVP award in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch league.

“She will have a ton of talent to work with and under her guidance we expect pitching to be one of our strengths this season,” adds Pauly.