Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Chaney Peters (23) catches a pop-up fly ball in a game against Spain Park during the Class 7A, Area 6 tournament at Goldie Paine Field in May 2023.
Teams must replace senior leaders every year. It’s a fact of life in high school sports.
For the Hewitt-Trussville High School softball program this year, that task perhaps will carry a little more weight than it has in years past.
On the surface, the Huskies return a robust amount of production from a season ago. The entire pitching staff returns, and they are only replacing a few lineup regulars that graduated. But one of those was do-it-all leader Hannah Dorsett, the All-South Metro Player of the Year in 2023 who hit for a .506 batting average.
“Hannah is a once-in-a-generation kind of kid,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Taylor Burt said. “The level of talent matched the level of commitment to her team.”
But, competitors are unlikely to feel sorry for Hewitt-Trussville, fresh off its third state championship in the last five years. If things come together, the Huskies are likely to be one of the Class 7A favorites once again.
That begins with seniors Sara Phillips, Olivia Faggard, Chaney Peters, Amber Newman, Lexie Kelly, AhKeela Honeycutt, Kate Hicks and Sarah Beth Golden. They’re a talented group that has played in plenty of meaningful games over the years.
Six of them have already announced their intentions to continue playing in college: Phillips to Mississippi State, Faggard to Louisiana-Monroe, Peters to Illinois, Newman to Snead State, Kelly to Wallace State and Honeycutt to Gulf Coast State.
The Huskies will rely on a stable of arms throughout the season. Phillips posted a record of 22-1 last spring with a 1.22 earned run average, and the Mississippi State signee will anchor the pitching staff once again.
“It’s going to be fun,” Burt said. “Finding the balance of allowing her to dominate and keeping her rested. She’s gotten stronger. I think she’s put herself in a good position to be successful.”
Zaylen Tucker and Hicks provided plenty of innings last year and both are back, and Burt said there will likely be a couple others that get chances in the circle.
In the infield, Faggard and Ryleigh Wood were significant contributors last season, as was Chaney Peters behind the plate. At the outset of the season, the Huskies were still trying to find the best fit for everyone, particularly with replacing such a void at shortstop.
Peyton Hull and Golden are infielders, while Peters can play third as well. Newman, Makaila Hope and Evie Andrews are options behind the plate. Even Kelly could be an option at a few different spots.
“Versatility is our key word this year,” Burt said. “We may see people in several different positions until we find what works and what clicks.”
In the outfield, Honeycutt, Tucker and Kelly are known commodities and give the Huskies stability and plenty of range. And throughout the roster, there are plenty of opportunities for others to make a significant impact throughout the spring.
“Our willingness to put the team first and making sure that we’re all working toward a common goal, that’s what we’ll have to do to be successful,” Burt said.
