Clever’s softball program continues to ride the momentum from the Lady Jays’ Class 2 District 5 championship last season.
Once coach Chery Grant held a pre-season meeting for prospective players, she realized she was going to have a pleasant problem. Clever’s District title has stirred the popularity of the sport to a new high among the Lady Jays.
“We grew. We had a ton more girls try out,” senior pitcher Sydnee Thrasher said. “We’re carrying more girls now than we ever have.”
Not everyone who attended the pre-season meeting ultimately decided to give softball a try. But, as Thrasher noted, the program’s numbers are at a new high.
“I went to (athletics director Ty Kyme) and said, ‘I’ve got 32 kids interested in playing ball and I’ve only got 27 uniforms. How do you want me to handle this?'’’ Grant said. “We had to buy more uniforms. What a great support system. (The school) got me extra uniforms and a new third base coach.
“I’ve been doing this for quite a while and it’s great to see the community support us and the school support us,” she added.
Grant doesn’t think it’s any coincidence Clever’s numbers are dramatically up after the Lady Jays captured their District championship on their home field.
“Our program is growing," Grant said. “Kids are wanting to be a part of it and that’s a great thing. It’s a great feeling.”
The added players has Grant trying to add to Clever’s jayvee schedule.
“We’ve been trying to get some jayvee (games) to get these younger players going who want to be part of this program,” she said.
Clever’s new assistant coach is Allison Batson, a 2017 Clever grad.
“It’s nice to have her back,” Grant said.
Clever is 4-4, after winning one of three games at the Buffalo Tournament on Saturday and whipping Crane 16-0 Monday.