Kyle Parmley
Hewitt-Trussville’s Corey Goguts (25), left, and Presley Hull (22)
Left: Hewitt-Trussville’s Corey Goguts (25) hits the ball during an East Regional game on May 7 at Sand Mountain Park in Albertville. Right: Hewitt-Trussville’s Presley Hull (22) catches a fly ball.
Many seasons in recent memory, the Hewitt-Trussville High School softball team has entered the year with a target on its back as one of the perennial contenders in Class 7A.
But the Huskies enter the 2026 season with a noticeably young group. The Huskies return just three starters from last year. There are five seniors and a bevy of players looking to make their mark for the first time. Head coach Taylor Burt knows this spring may require patience.
“We’re going to be inexperienced, so we’re going to have to learn as we go,” Burt said.
The senior class includes Corey Goguts, Emily Renda, Hannah Claire Miller, Kylie Hendrick and Lauren Whitaker.
Goguts is expected to split time between first base and the outfield while providing a steady presence in the lineup. The Ole Miss commit had a breakout 2025 campaign, bashing 31 home runs and driving in 78 runs, becoming one of the most feared hitters in the state.
Renda, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, could factor in at middle infield or third base. Miller and Hendrick give the Huskies two athletic seniors who can swing the bat, as well.
Of the five, Whitaker brings the most experience in the circle. Burt said the Huskies will depend heavily on her as part of what is expected to be a pitching staff “by committee.”
The Huskies do have a talented junior class that includes Taylor McLaughlin, Kenzie Noblin, Rachel Reed, Presley Hull, Emily Bates and Harper Looney.
McLaughlin is a possibility to handle duties behind the plate. Reed and Looney will both see significant time in the circle, with Reed having thrown late last season and expected to take on a larger role this spring. Noblin is projected to contribute in the outfield, while Hull and Looney both bring valuable experience after playing multiple seasons at the varsity level. Hull hit for a .403 average last season and has committed to play at UAB.
Sophomore Erin Coleman came on strong in the second half of last season, hitting for a .385 average last spring. She is expected to take on a bigger role and become one of the key presences in the lineup.
In the circle, Whitaker, Reed and Looney are part of a group that also includes freshmen Maggie Bell and Sophia Shubert. Burt said matchups will likely determine usage on a given day as the Huskies search for consistency.
The youth does not stop there. Burt said six eighth graders are capable of competing at the varsity level, and several could factor into the lineup as the season progresses.
Hewitt-Trussville is opening a new stadium this season, undoubtedly one of the most impressive high school softball facilities in the state. The program has been among the state’s very best since Burt took the reins in 2018, winning state titles in 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024.
But every team starts each season with a clean slate, and the Huskies will look to make the 2026 one memorable as well.
