Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
Hewitt-Trussville’s Makaila Hope (99) swings at a pitch in a game against Hoover during the AHSAA state softball tournament at Choccolocco Park in Oxford on Monday, May 13, 2024.
Hewitt-Trussville High School’s softball team has dominated Class 7A in recent years.
Last spring, the Huskies won their fourth state championship in the last five completed seasons, finishing with a 37-6 record. They won their final 11 games en route to the title, with Sara Phillips outdueling Daphne star Vic Moten in a 1-0 victory in the final.
But Phillips was one of several senior contributors last season, making this year a challenging transition for Hewitt-Trussville. Six players from last year’s team are now on college rosters.
Hewitt-Trussville will look to this year’s group of nine seniors to lead the way as the Huskies aim to remain among the state’s top teams.
Makaila Hope (Emory), Peyton Hull (Montevallo) and Zaylen Tucker (UAB) have signed to play college softball next year, and several other seniors are expected to step into key roles.
“There’s a ton that are going to have to step up,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Taylor Burt said.
Hope is expected to handle much of the catching, while Hull is competing for the starting shortstop job. Tucker had a strong junior season both at the plate and in the circle, but she is still working her way back from an injury. She will contribute in some capacity early in the season, and the Huskies hope to have her fully available later in the year.
Ryleigh Wood, Evie Andrews, Darcy Hill and Sydney Moore are among the infielders expected to play key roles.
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
Hewitt-Trussville’s Ryleigh Wood (2) catches a foul-fly ball in a game against Thompson during the AHSAA state softball tournament at Choccolocco Park in Oxford on Monday, May 13, 2024.
Ava Hyde and Tucker, once fully healthy, will anchor the outfield.
Junior Corey Goguts led the Huskies in home runs last season with 10. She and sophomore Presley Hull will be key outfielders this spring.
In the pitching staff, Tucker’s absence will be significant until she returns. Senior Kinley Poe, who has seen opportunities over the past two years, will get plenty of innings early in the season. Hill has pitching experience as well, and the Huskies have several others competing for a spot in the rotation.
This year’s team will look different from the past few seasons, but Burt believes they have the potential to grow into a special group as they gain experience and confidence.
“They’re super coachable,” she said. “Very hard-working, they don’t complain, and they just get out there and do what’s asked of them.”
Hewitt-Trussville opens the season Feb. 20 at Curry and has plenty of challenging regular season games. The Huskies face the likes of Austin, Central-Phenix City, Thompson, Hartselle, Spain Park, Moody and Springville. Area play consists of games against Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain.
Hewitt plays in tournaments hosted by Gardendale (Feb. 21-22), their own (Feb. 28-March 1), Spain Park (March 7-8), Hoover (March 14-15, April 18-19), Gulf Shores (March 24-26) and Central (April 4-5).
