After graduating a large senior class from last season’s 17-win squad, Monterey Lady Wildcats softball head coach Brad Swafford finds himself guiding a team in transition. But Swafford said early signs point to a group buying in quickly.
“The vibe of the team is good,” Swafford said. “We’re eager to learn, eager to work, eager to get better, and we’re just rolling on. We’re in a rebuilding phase but we can compete.”
Several freshmen have stepped into positions vacated by last year’s seniors, accelerating the learning curve early in the season. Swafford said he has embraced the challenge, emphasizing growth over immediate results.
Monterey did not ease into their early schedule. Early matchups against Upper Cumberland programs like Upperman and White County, along with games against Gordonsville and Clay County, have tested the Lady Wildcats right away.
“I like playing some good competition,” Swafford said. “I’m a firm believer that if you play good teams, you’ll get better no matter what the outcome is.”
Despite the youth, Monterey has already shown flashes of potential at the plate. Swafford said he expected a more balanced offensive approach coming into the year, but early power from players like Kiana Roberts and Brooklyn Batey has added another dimension.
With district play looming, the focus remains on development. Swafford said the team has already made strides in a short amount of time.
“We’ve already gotten better in the last two weeks,” Swafford said. “We’re a young team and we’re hungry and I’m looking forward to seeing where we are a month from now and six weeks form now when we’re in the district tournament.”
If the trajectory continues, Swafford said h believes this group could follow a familiar path. He pointed to a previous team from his coaching career that endured early growing pains before making a run to a district runner-up finish.