I figured why not get this thread started a little early. Obviously the ending to the 2024 season was a complete meltdown to say the least. A lot to be proud of, but also a lot to think about for both players and coaches. I will say Milloy, White, Puni, Gottshall, G, and West contributed so much to this program during their time and I think every fan, no matter how harsh they are sometimes, will appreciate what they have given to LV softball.
With the portal becoming crazier and crazier by the day, it is clear that a top program like ours is not excluded from some transfers. I expect at least 3-5 people to enter the portal this summer...my guesses are DRod, Sarvis, Brockenbrough, Kirkpatrick, Ahlin, Orsini, and maybe Faw. I am bracing myself for a surprise transfer that will be a big hole to fill. I think our biggest key is grabbing a pitcher to back up Pickens and a catcher that can back up Nugent. If I am Karen I would really try and go after Stewart and Meylan from Washington, those 2 already have chemistry and were both starters on that team.
A lot of important people are going to be upperclassmen next year: Boo, Pickens, Nugent, and Mealer. This feeling does suck, but I think in hindsight it is good to light a fire and with big class coming in that will need to play a big role having new leadership amongst the team is always good.
Now to address the elephant in the room: the hitting. I am on board with parting ways with the Malveauxs as they have done their time and some people have mentioned he wants to be a head coach so Auburn looks pretty good for him. We need a hitting coach that is able to walk away from this launch angle & lifting the ball type of nonsense. It really has done us a disservice to have so many good hitters, but not perform when it comes down to the big moments.
As far as the incoming class, it looks like we have some good hitters. Emma Clarke, Ella Dodge, Amayah Doyle all look like promising hitters. I think Erin Nuwer is probably the better of the 2 pitchers, but if they bring along Payton Tanner slowly throughout the year she has some potential to eat up some innings every now and then. I think Zoie Shuler might play a pinch runner/defensive replacement role. (similar to what Gabby and Alannah did this past season)
