MEMBERS OF THE 2025 SOUTH HAMILTON SOFTBALL TEAM are, front row (left to right): Ava Corbin, Sydnee Flaugh, Claire Hewitt and Lillie Ammerman. Middle: Val Harlan, Jillian Hesse, Rosemary Chamness and Christina Babcock. Back: Daytan Oberender, Abbi Murray, Emma Ammerman, Allie Neuberger, Stella Martensen and Emma Lammers.

Sydnee Flaugh is the lone senor on the South Hamilton softball team in 2025, and one of four returning starters.

The Hawks will lean on Flaugh’s leadership skills as they find their footing in the weeks to come.

Head coach Josh Gorman will also turn to juniors Claire Hewitt and Lillie Ammerman, sophomore Jillian Heese, and freshman Emma Lammers — the other starters back in the mix.

“The leadership as a group is a strength,” Gorman said. “One unique thing is Syd is our only senior. Her (veteran presence) is key because the girls look up to her.

“It’s a big step up from our juniors. They have accepted that (as upperclassmen) and know that they need to be role models.”

The Hawks will have four sophomores and five freshmen to help create depth and fill the lineup card.

“We also need the young group to take a step forward,” Gorman said. “The excitement is there.

“We want them to gain the experience and be tough.”

Hesse will be in the circle for the Hawks. Last year, she pitched 41-plus innings with four wins and 27 strikeouts behind senior Makena Galetich.

“Jillian threw a bit her eighth grade year and has gotten the experience the last two seasons,” Gorman said. “She has a strong pitch mix and has good location.”

Lammers will also be in the circle.

Behind the plate will be sophomore Rosemary Chamness and freshman Emma Ammerman.

“The competition has been strong (at pitcher and catcher),” Gorman said. “Rosemary is solid defensively, and Jillian hits the spots when she is there.

“Emma will be in our outfield, so she will help us in a lot of different ways.”

Hewitt will be at first base. Flaugh will fill the second base role for the Hawks. She had 25 hits and drove in eight runs in 2024, batting .291.

“Sydnee is a great leader,” Gorman said. “She was at state track and came to us late, but hasn’t used that as an excuse to slow down.”

Lammers is at shortstop. She recorded 25 hits, was tied for the team lead in RBI with 24 and hit .291.

“(Flaugh and Lammers) both love the game and love their teammates,” Gorman said. “They want to compete and make everyone around them better.

“They are great communicators.”

Lillie Ammerman rounds out the infield at third base. Gorman says she can play anywhere in the infield and has a strong reaction time.

The outfield is a work in progress, as Gorman is trying to find the right pieces.

Junior Ava Corbin, along with Emma Ammerman, eighth-graders Stella Martinson and Allie Neuberger, will all be options.

“Ava is finishing up the golf season,” Gorman said. “But she has been making all of the plays. She understands the expectations.

“We will put the young girls in the outfield and it will be a learning experience, but they are excited for the challenge.”

Gorman likes South Hamilton’s collective mindset.

“We’ve taken a lot of pride in our speed in the past, and we had almost 100 stolen bases last year,” Gorman said. “We won’t be as fast (in 2025), but what we lack in speed, we make up for in base running IQ and being disciplined.”

Gorman has also seen a lot of pop out of the Hawk bats in the early going.

“I’ve really been impressed in practice,” Gorman said. “Our hitting has taken a huge step. Now we just have to have confidence in the box (during games).”

2025 SOUTH HAMILTON SOFTBALL

Schedule

May 28 — Grand View Christian, 7:30 p.m.; 30 — Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.

June 2 — at West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.; 3 — at Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.; 4 — at PCM, 7:30 p.m.; 6 — Perry, 7:30 p.m.; 7 — at Hudson tournament, 9 a.m. 9 — at Greene County, 7:30 p.m.; 10 — at Saydel, 7:30 p.m.; 12 — at Ballard, 7:30 p.m. 13 — at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.; 16 — Saydell, 7:30 p.m.; 17 — at South Hardin, 7:30 p.m.; 18 — at Grand View Christian, 7:30 p.m.; 20-21 — Roland-Story tournament, 9 a.m.; 23 — West Marshall, 7:30 p.m. 24 — at West Hancock, 6 p.m.; 25 — PCM, 7:30 p.m. 27 — at Perry, 7 p.m. 28 — South Hamilton tournament, 9 a.m.; 30 — Greene County, 7:30 p.m.