Talented MA softball squad ready to roll

A new season for a tradition-rich Marshall Academy softball program again brings high expectations.

“I can’t help but get excited about what’s ahead,” said head coach Jamie Rappa. “This team has something special.”

He said his 2026 squad features talent, speed and depth, but most importantly, seven pitchers.

“Every one of them brings something different to the circle,” Rappa said. “That’s a luxury very few teams have, and it’s going to make us better every single day.”

Offensively, he said the Lady Patriot lineup will be filled with hitters who can change a game with one swing.

“There isn’t an easy out, and there isn’t a position on the field where we don’t expect excellence,” Rappa said.

MA lost five seniors from last year’s squad which won a North Regional championship and finished 20-11 on the season.

Experienced leaders returning include Azley Ashby, Kyleigh Milliorn, Aubrey Brigance and Kendall Matthews. Also, Coach Rappa said key contributors Esme Cavender, Hadley Jenkins, Piper Muizers and Katie Lynes know what it takes to compete at a high level.

Newcomers, who he said are ready to embrace the MA tradition, include Bailey Thomas, Mara Smith, Olivia Smith, Maddie Hudson and Kaylynn Coey.

“They bring energy, talent and a hunger to compete, and they’re going to play a big role in what this team becomes,” Rappa said.

The schedule, as usual, is one of the toughest in the MAIS.

“We build our schedule to challenge us because championships aren’t won by taking the easy road,” he said. “They are earned by playing the best, facing elite pitching and learning to respond when the game gets tough.”

The Lady Patriots start the season Monday, Aug. 3, at Calhoun Academy. Then they visit Bayou Academy Tuesday, Aug. 4, and face DeSoto School, Wednesday, Aug. 5, for the home opener. Tough weekend tests on the schedule include long road trips to the Copiah Tournament, Tri-County Tournament and Brookhaven Tournament.

“Difficult opponents and pressure situations are what prepare us for the MAIS State Tournament,” Rappa said.

He said he is thankful for his assistants, Ryan Ashby and Bart Jenkins, and their commitment to the players and the program.

“When I look at this team, I see young ladies who care about one another and are willing to work for something bigger than themselves,” Rappa said. “I see competitors. We have every piece of the puzzle to compete for a state championship. We have to outwork our opponents. Our goals are high because our standards are high.”