Thomas Jefferson Raiders
2016 record: 16-8
Key losses: Samantha Simundson (C, OF), Kyleigh Carbon (SS, IF), Bailey Nelson (3B, C)
Key returners: Haylee Pollard (3B, 1B, OF), Marie Palomo (3B, OF), Kadia Fiddler (OF)
Coach: Greg Campbell
A change is in the air. The Thomas Jefferson Raiders have seen a great deal of success over the span of the past 12 seasons. Like everything, however, all good things must come to an end. Raiders coach Greg Campbell said the times and softball landscape are changing. As a result, he’s seen the numbers of interested players in high school softball continuously decrease over the past four years, while the number of club-only players have skyrocketed. Despite a lack of interest, however, Campbell fielded a team of 20 in 2016, which was very senior heavy, and Jefferson won 16 games despite losing seven players over the course of the season. Ultimately, the Raiders’ season came to an end in the playoffs, a 12-2 loss to Puyallup. Coming into 2017, Campbell said he’s not sure what his team’s makeup will look like this season, but it is likely to be filled with youth and inexperience. Jefferson starts the new season on March 15 with a home opener against Hazen. The Raiders play three of their first five games on the road.
Quotable: “What I do know, we’re going to be challenged,” Campbell said. “It’ll be a strong conference. We have an uphill struggle. It’s going to be interesting to see what we do with it.”
Federal Way Eagles
2016 record: 16-10
Key losses: Jaclyn Gillis, Jessica Kuhn
Key returners: Tally Thomas, Nicole Gillis, Tatyana Reuter
Coach: Carl Peters
The Federal Way Eagles were a run-producing machine a season ago. In the first six games of the season, Federal Way outscored its opponents 66-21. In all, the Eagles produced 232 runs last year, while allowing just 126. As a collective, Federal Way hit .369 with four home runs and 134 RBIs. Despite losing Jessica Kuhn, the Eagles will welcome back their biggest offensive juggernaut, junior and Stanford-bound Tally Thomas. In 18 games, Thomas hit .660 with three home runs and 41 RBIs. Federal Way starts the 2017 season on a two-game home stand. It starts on March 15 against Mount Rainier and concludes on March 17 against Kentridge before hitting the road for two games.
Quotable: I’m really excited for this year,” Thomas said at the Federal Way signing ceremony on Feb. 2. “I think we’re going to have a talented team and just a great group of girls.”
Todd Beamer Titans
2016 record: 14-11
Key losses: Kenzie Palmer (OF, 1B), Morgan Vance (3B), Jourdin Hering (CF)
Key returners: Raelyn Gradel (SS), Alex Haven (P), Grace Sunitsch (C)
Coach: Brian Hering
The Todd Beamer Titans were nearly unstoppable out of the gate in 2016. Beamer started the season 4-1 and outscored its opponents 52-17 in its wins. Beamer had one of the stronger offenses a year ago, hitting .379 as a team with four home runs and 176 RBIs. The Titans struggled in the pitching circle, though. They collected a team ERA of 4.47. Beamer will miss the offensive production of Kenzie Palmer, who hit .560 with 25 RBIs. It will welcome back Grace Sunitsch, who hit .418 with 20 RBIs. Raelyn Gradel will also be back for the Titans. She hit .403 with 20 RBIs and one home run in 2016. The Titans open the season March 14 at Tahoma. They make their home debut on March 15 against Kentwood. Quotable: “We’re going to be young, quality players, though,” coach Brian Hering said. “We’re going to be fun. We’re going to be fun to watch.”
Decatur Golden Gators
2016 record: 5-17
Key losses: Tatiana Jones, Ariana Steen, Celmarie Cabrera
Key returners: Sophia Musiak, Sydney Victor, Madison Combs
Coach: Sarah Beckler
The Decatur Golden Gators started off 2016 with a statement win when it crushed Foss 16-2 in the season opener. Decatur won just four more games, however, during the course of the season. The Gators kick off 2017 on March 15 at Kentridge. They make their home debut on March 17 against Kentlake.
