With a combination of veteran leadership and young talent, the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets softball team is preparing for what they hope will be a breakthrough season. Under Head Coach Ryan Pentz, the team has set its sights on winning a conference title, making a deep postseason run, and continuing to build strong team chemistry.
Experience and Growth
Softball has been a lifelong commitment for the Yellow Jackets’ key players. Seniors Grace Bates and Rylee Myers, junior Hailey Rudrick, and sophomore Jocelyn Scarbury have each been playing the game for over a decade.
Bates, a four-year letterman, has been a mainstay at shortstop. Myers has anchored the outfield, while Scarbury has taken on an important role in the pitching rotation. Rudrick, a versatile player who has seen time at multiple positions, has settled into the catcher’s role, where she leads the defense.
Chasing Team and Personal Goals
With a senior-heavy roster, the Yellow Jackets know this season presents a special opportunity. Bates wants to help lead Mount Vernon to a conference championship while leaving her mark on the program.
“My goal is to win the conference and leave a good legacy at Mount Vernon,” she said. “After that, I want to pursue a career in criminal justice as a detective.”
Myers, who will continue her softball career at Ohio Wesleyan University while studying chemistry, is also focused on team success.
“We have a great group this year, and I think we can make a run,” she said. “Winning conference, districts, and regionals is the goal.”
Scarbury hopes to refine her pitching and continue improving every day. “I just want to hit my spots and always be better than I was yesterday,” she said.
Rudrick, meanwhile, is looking to increase her offensive numbers and improve defensively behind the plate. “I want to win the conference, improve my hitting, and get more throw-outs,” she said.
Beyond softball, the players have big aspirations. Bates aims for a career in law enforcement, Myers in chemistry, Scarbury in continued athletic and personal growth, and Rudrick in pediatric oncology nursing.
Leadership and Inspiration
Each player draws motivation from different sources. For Bates, Rudrick’s relentless work ethic sets an example. Myers credits her mother, an assistant coach, for instilling discipline and determination. Scarbury finds encouragement in her father, whose unwavering support has helped shape her approach to the game. Rudrick looks up to Coach Pentz, whose coaching philosophy matches her competitive mindset.
Coach Pentz’s Lasting Influence
Pentz’s influence on the program extends beyond wins and losses. His coaching style emphasizes accountability, resilience, and mental toughness—lessons that go far beyond the field.
“He constantly checks in on us, making sure we’re okay off the field too,” Bates said. “It’s more than just softball—he cares about us as people.”
A Rivalry Renewed
One of the most anticipated games of the season is against Watkins Memorial, a team that has consistently been a challenge for Mount Vernon.
“We haven’t beaten them in a long time, but we’ve been close,” Myers said. “If we can win, it will prove we can compete with the best.”
Scarbury, who experienced the rivalry as a freshman, sees it as an opportunity for redemption. “That was the first big game I ever played in,” she said. “Now, we have a chance to show how much we’ve grown.”
A Team Built on Chemistry
Perhaps the biggest strength of this year’s team is its chemistry. With a strong bond among players, the Yellow Jackets believe their teamwork will be a major factor in their success.
“This is the closest team we’ve ever had,” Rudrick said. “That’s going to help us go far this year.”
As the 2025 season approaches, Mount Vernon is ready to prove itself. With talent, motivation, and unity, the Yellow Jackets believe they have everything they need to make this year one to remember.
