Commitment, Believe, Win is the new theme of the CCC Lady Tigers Softball team being implemented by 1^st year Head Coach Chad Kerr. "I have been working hard getting the athletes in shape, evaluating both the returning players, and the incoming freshman, putting players in the right positions, but most importantly getting them to commit to the program and believe they can win. The record of the program over the last 5 seasons has been dismal to say the least going 27-140, last year being 4-32. I see no reason why we can't come close to that 5 year win total this season with the mix we now have."

The season is fast approaching and the Lady Tigers will play a full slate of games. The schedule consists of a very difficult non-conference slate against some quality NAIA schools and a NCAA Division II schools. The season begins Feb 10-11 in a round robin type series down in Oklahoma City. "We should have a good idea where things stand after February and March and should be well prepared for the conference opener April 10." Once the conference season opens things won't get any easier as the MCAC is as tough as ever, even more so with the addition of Central Baptist (Ark). "Central Baptist is currently ranked 4^th in the nation and Bellevue is always a powerhouse in the MCAC while newcomer to the softball diamond Southwest Christian should be tough as well. The rest of the conference is evenly matched and I don't see why we can't compete if we stay healthy."

The roster consists of a mix of quality returning players and some talented incoming freshman. Sophomore Kylie Damm and Senior Hannah Martin, who were awarded 2^nd Team All-Conference last year are both returning after having successful seasons last spring. Damm will play CF and get some time on the mound while Martin will continue her role on the INF while also putting some time in behind the plate at Catcher. Senior Tiffany Burget will bring a lot of experience to the Catcher position while also getting some time at DH and in the OF. Senior Amber Medlin and Junior Samantha Wilson will hold down the 1B roles while Juniors Angela Jamison and Laura Harrison will compete for both OF and INF time along with Sophomore Mackenzie Hobbs. Junior Meaghan Reamy will again be a solid performer on the mound for the Lady Tigers. Rounding out the 18 player roster are 9 freshman who all should contribute to the rebuilding of the program. Dana Dean will contribute at the SS position, Brooklynn Lemons at both 2B and OF while also Pitching, and Desiree Yandell as both Pitcher and Utility with. All 3 bring much needed speed to the lineup. Shawna Hash will compete at the Catcher role while also filling in in other roles. Jordan Stewart and Mallory Smith with both get a lot of innings on the mound with Smith also competing for the 2B role. Heather Reynolds will be a solid performer in the OF with Emily Nelson and Sammi Dahl both competing for Utility roles.

Sophomore Micah Rivera, who played on the varsity last season, has stepped back into a Manager role. Coach Kerr will be assisted by first year Assistant Coach Nathan Palmer.

Things in the Lady Tiger camp are upbeat and optimistic. "We know might not win a National Championship this year but expect to compete in every game and I am very proud of the ladies and the steps they have taken to start both the short term and long term improvement process. I have come in and this program is now different then what they were used to, they have bought in, worked hard, and we should see that payoff on the diamond the next 3 months."