Returning players prepare to lead Platte Valley softball on another postseason run

By Jacki Wood

The Platte Valley softball team will compete in the new 275 Conference this year and the Eagles are working to take their winning ways from the PVC to the 275.

“We had success last year but there is always room for improvement,” Head Coach Shelly Deen said. “Lots of returning players and several ready to step up for a great season.”

The team won the Platte Valley Conference last year with a 24-3 overall record and lost to Stanberry in the district championship game.

Deen said they hope to repeat as conference champs and win districts this year.

The Eagles have holes to fill as they lost Jessie Henry, Kelli Schieber, Emily Mattson and Vanessa Holtman to graduation. Deen called the players “great defenders and big bats.”

She will depend on several players to step up and make an impact including senior Kelsi McQuinn, short stop; senior Kayla Schmitz, catcher; senior Sarah Chor, pitcher; junior Josie Deen, 2nd/3rd base; junior Stephanie Chor, 1st base; and junior Mikayla Mattson, outfield.

McQuinn and Josie Deen were named all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state last year. Sarah Chor and Schmitz made the all-conference, all-district and all-region teams and Stephanie Chor made the all-conference and all-district teams.

Deen, in her sixth year as head coach, is assisted by Adam Henry and Rachel Denne. She said the Eagles will focus on “always working on getting better in all areas” with a team goal of being the best they can be in October.

Platte Valley starts the season on August 23 at North Harrison.