Following the 2017 summer season, the girls began “Fall Ball” play and traveled to multiple tournaments over the next few months. In early December we progressed into winter workouts and pitching and catching routines, followed by “Spring Season” and finally the intense run to the summer state tournament. The 36-member team had several highlights with wins against metro schools and a first-place finish in the Little Hawkeye conference. The Varsity boasted an undefeated 19-0 conference record and a regular season record of 36-4. The JV (12-0-1 in conference and 18-1-1 overall) and Freshman teams (19-2 in conference) also turned in very successful seasons. We faced some of the best teams in the state (including four eventual state-qualifiers) to prepare us for a great post-season run.
We received a first-round bye in district play, then outscored Ankeny Centennial in game two to get to the district final game in which we played an outstanding Ottumwa team. That high-stakes game ended with a walk-off homerun, sending us back to Ft. Dodge. Our post season run continued by outscoring Dubuque Hempstead (first-round) and Cedar Rapids Jefferson (second-round). Senior pitcher Sydney Sickels struck out 17 batters in the second-round game, setting a new state softball record. Brooke Tucker (junior), Kate Kralik (freshman), and Destiny Lewis (freshman) rounded out the pitching staff for the Indians. Our final contest for the season was the broadcast for the state title. Unfortunately, the Indians fell short to a great team, Pleasant Valley, and were awarded state runner-up status.
The girls were remarkable! It was another captivating season that showcased exceptional talent and grit! Their competitive spirit overcame any doubt that they would accomplish great things. While the Indians had reached as high as third in regular season rankings, they bested the predictions and brought home the runner-up title. We had a strong group of seven seniors leading this group. They will be missed. It will be exciting to watch the remaining girls grow as players and teammates as they continue their athletic careers and contribute to the success of the program. The 2018 season was yet another great run for the girls, staff and the community. The Indianola fans turned out in droves to support the girls….One tribe Y’all!!!!
The project to resurface the field will start this fall as well as work to improve the bullpen area and the batting cages, making them more useful and safer. We will continue to compete in the fall and spring with two traveling teams. Winter hitting will take place in conjunction with speed, agility, and strength training and our pitchers and catchers will start their workouts again in mid-January. We look forward to continuing our support of the Indianola Girls Fastpitch Association which gives Indianola youth the chance to play competitively and work on skills and fundamentals to build the next successful Indianola High School softball team. Coaches and athletes will host pitching and hitting clinics to foster the growth of future INDIANS and coaches (Head Coach Stacy Evans and Assistant Coaches Melisse Jacobson, Emily Sones, Jordan Huff) will continue to attend coaching clinics to improve and stay current with the game.
End of season recognition:
All Conference- 1st team
- Sydney Sickels
- Destiny Lewis
- Parker Mathews
- Emma Yenger
All Conference- 2nd team
- Sammie Becker
- Morgan Bolten
All Conference- Honorable Mention
- Payton Andersen
- Brooke Tucker
All District- 1st team
- Sydney Sickels
- Destiny Lewis
All State- 1st team
- Sydney Sickels
- Destiny Lewis
All State- 2nd team
- Parker Mathews
Elite All State
- Destiny Lewis
Elite All State- Honorable Mention
- Sydney Sickels
Team Awards
- Big Stick- Destiny Lewis
- Golden Glove- Sammie Becker
- Defensive play-maker- Parker Mathews
- The Indian /Coaches- Sydney Sickels
- Do It To- Payton Andersen
- Homerun Club- Parker Mathews, Payton Andersen, Sammie Becker, Destiny Lewis, Emily Chaplin, Taylor Bowlin, Emma Yenger, and Brooke Tucker