The 2021 Danville Lady Blue Devils won their sixth consecutive district title, finishing 20-8 and scoring at 270-103 run differential. They return only two seniors, but optimism runs high that they can continue business as usual and go even further in postseason play.
“We only return two seniors but the good news is we only graduated one senior last year," Danville softball coach Charlie Duncan said. "We have nine returning letterwomen. During our tournament runm we had five freshmen starting in the lineup.”
Duncan preaches offseason work and buying into the team’s program.
“You win games in the offseason,” he said. “Our offseason motto was ‘Tougher Faster Stronger.’ We all agreed we had a great year last season but we still came up one run short in advancing to the regional final. We just weren’t tough enough, fast enough or strong enough. Our girls' mission was to prevent that this year and come in stronger than we were last year.”
Duncan also promotes that the team is a family.
“We believe in a family atmosphere,” he said. “We care for each other, respect each other and hold each other accountable. Many schools are modeling their programs after Alabama and using the term ‘Mudita,’ which means ‘be happy for a teammate's success as if it were your own.’ We have been using this term for the last 10 years, and all our girls know what it means to our program.”
The 2022 season marks Duncan’s third year as coach, losing his first year to COVID-19 restrictions, and he considers 2021 as his first true season as Danville’s softball mentor. He was a varsity assistant at Danville for eight years prior to taking over as coach, and he coached travel softball for the Stingray organization for nine years.
Danville’s softball history is woven into its structure. Duncan said,
“We preach tradition. We have won six straight division titles, and our girls are just as hungry for the next one. It’s been five years since we have been to Akron (for the finals). The girls on this team were sitting in the stands the last time we were there. This group would like to get back there.
'Our motto during our annual youth camp this year was ‘On a Mission to Protect the Tradition.’ Each year, we start the season with a video from alumni players speaking about this tradition.”
This year’s team returns a group that earned a lot of playing experience, and according to Duncan, they are adding some solid talent to that group.
He said, “The team will be led by seniors Keaura Shilling and Camie Newbold, as well as juniors Taryn Mickley, Sophie Snively and Cordi Richert. Talented sophomores include Jaylyn Smith, Grace Gronberg, Emily Weckesser, Broegan Staats and Taylor Price. Newcomers Alicia Humphrey, Addison Mickley, Abigail Sapp, Madison Payne and Alyssa Sheldon should all fight for playing time and contribute in 2022.”
Duncan said the strength of the team will be speed and power.
“We set a school record with 107 stolen bases last season with a mix of power, also setting a school record with 21 home runs,” he said. “Our weakness was graduating our only senior. Maddy Wine was our ace in the circle and led the team with batting average and RBI. Replacing her will be a tall order, but we feel there are girls that can step up to fill those holes.”
Several of Duncan’s players have gone on to perform well at higher levels. Duncan said Taylor Duncan, class of 2018, is now a senior at Cleveland State University making a great impact on a solid Vikings squad. Other successful former players of his included Kait Briggs, class of 2019, playing at the University of Findlay; Hannah Duncan, class of 2020, playing at Walsh University; and Wine is starting her freshman year at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
This year's team already has Shilling committed to play at Capital University.
“Many girls played well last year and stepped up when called on. This season, the challenge will be building on that success and realizing you must work harder than last year. What came easy to you last year will not be as easy this season,” said Duncan.
