ABILENE HIGH
Last season (overall record, district record, district finish): 17-13, 7-5 (3rd in District 2-6A)
Head Coach (seasons as head coach / overall record): Jenna Bane, 2nd at AHS (7th season overall / 76-73)
Last district championship: 2019
Last playoff appearance: 2022 (lost best-of-three series to El Paso America in bi-district round)
Last playoff series win: 2021 (1-game area playoff game vs. Euless Trinity)
Top Returners (name, classification, position):
• Tea Jimenez, sr., Outfield
• Kayley Washington, sr., Outfield
• Amyah Starks, jr., Infield
• Diana Silva, jr., Pitcher
• Kinzley Cantu, soph., Infield
Top Newcomers (name, classification, position):
• Mariah Estrada, fr., Utility
• Avah Reyes, fr., Pitcher
Key Games on the Schedule:
• Monday, Feb. 13 vs. Temple (season-opener)
• Feb. 23-25 – AISD Icebreaker Tournament
- Tuesday, March 7 – vs. Wylie at AHS (District 4-5A opener)
• Tuesday, March 14 – at Cooper (District 4-5A game)
• Friday, March 31 – at Wylie (District 4-5A game)
• Tuesday, April 4 – vs. Cooper at AHS (District 4-5A game)
- team strengths, weaknesses, team goals:
• Strengths – Depth in the (pitcher’s) circle, depth in defensive positions, and competitive nature
• Weaknesses – youth all around
• Team goals – Make state playoffs, win a district championship, and win a Golden Glove
Coach Bane Says
General comments on the season ahead:
“We are excited about a new season with new faces on our team and coaching staff. It’s been great to have such experienced and knowledgeable coaches help guide this young group of talented athletes.
“We have high expectations for the new faces in Abilene High softball. They have big shoes to fill after losing six talented starters (four now playing at the next level); however, they have accepted the role and are doing an exceptional job to get better every day.”
Coach Bane on moving down to Class 5A in 2023:
“Moving down a classification doesn’t change our mindset for the season. We are moving into a highly competitive district regardless of classification. Playing (new District 4-5A foes) Cooper and Wylie is always tough due to the familiarity of the girls growing up playing together, and Abilene producing top-notch softball talent. Those games can go either way regardless of whether the teams are experienced or young. Our district is extremely talented and each game we will go in with a 0-0 mindset and play to be 1-0 at the end of the night.”
COOPER HIGH
Last season (overall record, district record, district finish): 13-11, 2-8 (5th place in District 4-5A)
Coach (seasons as head coach / overall record):Stacey Herring (9th year at Cooper, 28th overall / 422-258-7 all-time record)
Last district championship:1994
Last playoff appearance: 2021 (lost to Aledo, 2-0, in best-of-three series Region I-5A semifinal series)
Last playoff series win:2021 (def. El Paso Hanks, 2-0, in best-of-three Region I-5A quarterfinal series)
Top Returners (name, classification, position, 2022 honors):
- Jahlissah Marquez, sr., Pitcher/SS
- Ashlynn French, sr., 3B/SS
• Nadia Garcia, sr., 2B/SS/OF - Chyann Sutton, sr., OF/C
- Jazlyn Hatcher, jr., CF
Top Newcomers (name, classification, position):
- Lynette Aguilar, soph., SS/2B
Key Games on the Schedule:
• Monday, Feb. 13 – vs. Rotan (season-opener)
- Feb. 23-25 – AISD Icebreaker Tournament
- Tuesday, March 14 – vs. Abilene High at Cooper (District 4-5A game)
- Thursday, March 16 – at Wylie (District 4-5A game)
- Tuesday, April 4 – at Abilene High (District 4-5A game)
- vs. Wylie at Cooper (District 4-5A game)
2023 team strengths, weaknesses, team goals:
- Strengths – Five returning starters with experience at their position
- Weaknesses – Not as much experience playing together as a team.
- Goals – To be competitive and make the playoffs.
Coach Herring Says
“We always want to work hard and do our best. Playing in a district with Wylie and Abilene High will be very challenging and should be competitive. Most of the girls know one another and have either played with or against most of the girls on the other two teams. They are familiar with their strengths and weaknesses, which makes for good matchups to come this year.”
