Upperclassmen ready to lead Shawano softball team to strong season

The Shawano Community High School softball team has high expectations going into the spring season despite losing four of its six all-conference players from a couple seasons ago.

The last time the Hawks took the field in 2019, the team finished in the middle of the Bay Conference standings. Six players received all-conference nods, but only seniors Taylor Johnson and Naomi Wynos remain from that group.

Johnson earned a spot on the first team, while Wynos was an honorable mention.

Johnson will serve as Shawano’s top pitcher this spring, and play in the outfield when not in the circle. Wynos will serve as the team’s third baseman.

Also back with significant varsity experience are juniors Brianna Wright (shortstop) and Margo Gull (center field).

Another boost for the Hawks will come from senior Kendra Kristof, who is back after an injury and a couple of years of recovery. She led the team in hitting as a freshman.

“I will work to lead by example both offensively and defensively to show the underclassmen and less experienced players how we do things on varsity,” said Johnson on how she’d help lead the team. “I’ll make sure to stay positive and encourage all the girls when we encounter any obstacles along the way so we can be successful. We all need to focus on one common goal and buy into the system and we’ll be successful!”

According to long-time coach Brian Johnson, the rest of the lineup will be figured out in the weeks leading up to the season.

“We expect to have some great position battles this year after a two-year layoff,” said Brian Johnson.

“We have some depth for the first time in awhile.”

One challenge the team might encounter is finding pitchers behind Taylor Johnson, with the coach noting the team will need “freshmen pitchers to step up in a hurry.”

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