Washburn’s softball and baseball teams are expecting a lot of leadership from their upperclassmen this season. 

When asked which players might step up into a leadership role, Brenda Holaday, Washburn’s softball coach, named Kelsey Henry.

“[Kelsey] puts her heart out on the field every time she pitches,” Holaday said. “She’s a great competitor, she leads by example.”

Henry is a senior pitcher who graduated from Washburn Rural High School, the school where Holaday coached for 19 years before being named the head coach of the Washburn softball team.

Savannah Moore is another player that Holaday said she is expecting to step up this season. Moore is a junior third baseman who also graduated from Washburn Rural.

“[Savannah] is the more vocal type of leader,” said Holaday. “She’s a very fiery kid who plays a great third base. She provides a great balance with Kelsey.”

The third team leader is Alyssa Carney, who had an impressive career on Washburn’s volleyball team and is finishing out her eligibility on the softball team as an outfielder. It’s no surprise that Holaday’s third pick for leadership potential is also a Washburn Rural graduate.

“When [Alyssa] played, she was a high school All-American,” said Holaday. “We’re really excited to have her her join us. She is such a great athlete and was part of a great volleyball program here that won so many games and championships. We think she’ll help us in the batting lineup and in the outfield. She’s a natural leader, so we’re just really excited about her.”

Harley Douglas, Washburn’s baseball coach, said that Bowe Behymer is the go-to guy when it comes to leadership on the baseball field. Behymer is a senior outfielder from Cloud County Community College.

“[Bowe] has done some really good things for us in his two years here,” Douglas said. “We’re looking forward to seeing him as a senior being prepared to go out and know that it’s his last year to play.”

Jacob Head is the second player that Douglas named as ideal leadership within the baseball team. Head is a junior who graduated from Hayden High School.

“[Head] has had setbacks with some injuries, but has had a good summer as far as putting on weight and getting healthy,” Douglas said.

Josh Crosby was the third player Douglas named on the team. Crosby is a senior catcher who struggled with an injury in 2016, so keeping him healthy and safe is at the forefront of Douglas’s mind.

The softball team begins its season on Feb. 3 against Tarleton State University in Magnolia, Arkansas as a part of the Southern Arkansas Invitational.

The baseball team starts their season on the Feb. 2 against Newman University in Grand Prairie, Texas as part of the Sau Air Hog DII Classic.

For more information on Washburn’s softball and baseball teams or any upcoming games, please visit wusports.com.