Ozark softball enjoyed yet another successful season in 2025.

The Tigers finished with a 22-14 record – a fifth-straight season with at least 20 victories.

While the team fell to Republic in the district championship walk-off, first-year head coach Brenden Schneider was pleased with his program’s development.

“We came into the year with little varsity experience and a brand-new coaching staff,” Schneider said. “Our entire program had to use the first half of the season to gel. It was a steep learning curve, because in our season you don’t have a ton of practice time before games start.

“I think we were very happy with the results we got from such a young and inexperienced team last year. Our girls were challenged to see if they were capable of competing at a high level and they answered the bell all year long.”

Heading into his second season at the helm – and 40th for Ozark as a program – Schneider has reason to be optimistic.

With only three graduates, the majority of Ozark’s starting lineup returns intact, including Avery Tennison, Lola Kensinger, Paisley Turner, Ginny Gallivan, Kinsey Wheat, Hannah Loofbourrow and Jadyn Graves.

Tennison, an all-region, all-conference and all-district junior catcher, hit .400 last season with 42 hits and 4 home runs last season.

“Avery brings a big bat to our lineup,” Schneider said. “She is expected to be a top hitter for us and has lots of power. Avery learned a lot last year, being a starting varsity catcher as a sophomore. We expect her to be much improved behind the plate but also love how she keeps the team loose.”

Kensinger, an all-region, all-conference and all-district junior third baseman, hit 4 home runs and scored 35 runs as a sophomore.

“Lola was a plus defender for us all year with only 4 errors, and she led the team in home runs, doubles, runs and tied for team stolen base lead,” Schneider said. “Lola is a dynamic athlete who can be a force on both sides of the ball. Being the everyday third baseman last year gave her lots of experience and confidence. We look to see her improve her game all around in her junior year.”

Turner, an all-region, all-conference and all-district pitcher/utility, posted a 15-9 record in the circle with a 3.4 earned run average and 131 strikeouts.

“Paisley was a great pitcher for us last year,” Schneider said. “Coming in with no varsity experience and competing the way she did was impressive. Paisley works extremely hard at her craft in the circle and it showed with her accomplishments from last year. She also led the team in hits (45) and batting average (.405). We expect her to be a solid middle of the order bat.”

Gallivan, an all-district senior first baseman, recorded 34 hits, 10 doubles, 23 runs and 21 runs batted in as a junior.

“Ginny was impressive in the field last year with only three errors,” Schneider said. “I love watching her work at first because she has such great hands and can pick anything. We had some girls struggle with throws last year, and Ginny bailed us out in countless situations. She also was a great contributor at the plate. We hope to see Ginny continue her lights-out defense and grow as a hitter.”

Wheat, an all-conference and all-district senior centerfielder, hit .316 last season and tied for the team lead in stolen bases.

“Kinsey did a terrific job of patrolling the outfield for us last year,” Schneider said. “Her plus speed and slapping make her a tough out. Kinsey is one of our four seniors and does a great job of leading the outfield group, and as the only returning starter in the outfield, her leadership will be crucial.”

Loofbourrow, a senior pitcher and infielder, posted a 7-3 record in the circle with 53 strikeouts.

“Hannah is a great athlete,” Schneider said. “She has plus speed and can cover lots of ground making it no surprise she had few errors last year. Hannah’s pitching really came around during the second half of the year, showing that we can have a two-headed monster in the circle. Her year at the plate began strong but she was unfortunately slowed and eventually sidelined by an injury. We will look for her to be a tough out at the plate and someone who can wreak havoc once she gets on base.”

Graves, a senior infielder, hit .222 in limited appearances last season.

“Jadyn appeared in 16 games for us last year,” Schneider said. “Her calm demeanor and great arm give her the potential to make some amazing plays. We will look to her for stability in the middle infield since Hannah is also pitching regularly. Jadyn knows our system and is an excellent communicator. I’m excited to see what she can bring to our team this year.”

In addition to a deep and talented group of returnees, Schneider expects a host of newcomers to compete for playing time this season in junior outfielder Allyson Atkinson, sophomore outfielder Caydrian Ehly, sophomore catcher/utility Sam Novik, freshman pitcher/utility Charlie Gardner and freshman pitcher/utility Gracie Mason.

“We are looking to continue right where we left off from last year,” Schneider said. “The girls grew so much. This is a group that is capable of competing at a high level. Last year we were an unknown with many new players, but that’s not the case anymore.

“Softball in our area is tough, and Ozark has a strong softball tradition, so we are sure everyone will give us their best. If we want to get back to a district final game or win a conference title there will be a lot of tests throughout the year that we will have to pass.”

In the circle, Ozark will look to Loofbourrow and Turner to anchor the staff, keep opposing hitters off balance and set the tone defensively this season.

“Our pitching and defense are always our top focus and once again we feel like it will be a big positive for us,” Schneider said. “Hannah and Paisley have both thrown a lot and in enough tough situations that no matter who is in the circle we feel like they give us a chance to win. We are returning players to key positions and that should allow us to handle adversity.”

At the plate, Schneider believes Ozark can and must improve if postseason success is to be achieved.

“Hitting must continue to improve,” Schneider said. “There were times, especially in the second half of the season, we really showed up and hit, but it was inconsistent and cost us a few games. Our girls have been working hard and, if we can be disciplined in the box, I think it will lead to positive outcomes.”

Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Rogersville, Ozark opens its season Aug. 29 at home against Jefferson City Helias.