Cook County: Small Softball Team Swings Big

Taryn Manthey, assistant coach of the Cook County softball team, said head coach Stacy Spry has introduced new rules to refine players’ approach to swinging at the ball this season.

“We are definitely being more aggressive at the plate,” Manthey, who is in her second year of coaching, explained. “We don’t want to just be standing there looking and not swinging right away. Kind of gets you in the head space of, all right, I’m ready to swing like I’m in the game.”

Aggressiveness at the plate will be essential this season, especially with only 12 players on the varsity roster.

“Our team this year is young and super small,” reported Manthey. “We have 7th and 8th grad­ers playing varsity.”

The team graduated two seniors last year and, unfortunately, lost five more players who weren’t able to return this season. Though dis­appointed, the coaches remained supportive of the girls’ decisions.

“They were just some changes they needed in their lives, and they just thought that soft­ball wasn’t the right fit for them this year,” said Manthey. “We completely understand, and we’ve been supportive toward those girls who decided not to play this year. They’re always welcome back.”

Despite these challenges, Manthey has al­ready noticed the team’s ability to face adversi­ty head-on and keep pushing forward.

One example came in their opening game, which had been delayed by the wet spring. The team was forced to jump into their first game without having any outdoor field practices.

“All of a sudden you are using a hard ball instead of a soft one. You’re putting on your cleats. You’re putting on your outdoor clothes and adapting to the weather,” explained Man­they. “With our lack of being able to get on the field right away and practicing in the gym, then taking what we learn in the gym to a game in­stead of a field before a game, overcoming that hurdle has been a strength.”

Though the team is small in numbers, they’re not lacking talent in the least.

Senior MaTaya Fairbanks has already shown her flexibility this year, stepping into shortstop and filling in at second base when needed. The only other senior on the team, Natalie LaPrai­rie, is new this season and plays center field. She’s been a great addition.

According to Manthey, “We’re very thankful that she’s playing. She’s very athletic, great hit­ter, great kid, and she has speed, a good arm, and a good glove in the outfield.”

The coach was happy to report that Kallie An­derson, a junior this year, has returned to the pitcher’s mound after an injury last season in Silver Bay. It didn’t keep her down for long. Fellow junior Annabelle Bies has also returned to the Vikings to play left field. Manthey calls her “an overall super athlete” and spoke about her adaptability and speed.

The third junior, and only other high school student on the team, is returning player Jenn­aRosa Ming.

“She’s our starting catcher and sometimes plays left field. She’s also one of our go-to bunters and has become a great leader for the younger players,” praised Manthey.

There are also two eighth graders on the varsity roster: Bea Mueller, who plays second base, and Sophia Christenson, who plays third. Christenson’s backup is seventh grader Kwinn Anderson, who currently plays right field. Their classmate, Madahlyn Spry, plays first base.

“She’s a seventh grader, but she’s really stepped up and done well at first base,” said Manthey, of Madahlyn’s performance.

With such a small team, having strong sub­stitutes is crucial. These players must be ready to step up and fill positions at any sign of fa­tigue, injury, or illness—and Cassidy Hendrick­son and Karis Ford, both seventh graders, have proven they’re up to the task and will ensure the team remains strong this season no matter the situation.

The junior high team, that practices with the varsity team, is also very small in size but very big on talent.

“We have five sixth graders. They’re a very good bunch, very spunky and lively. They re­ally get their heads in the game, which is really refreshing for young kids,” said Manthey.

Of those young athletes, Mary Mueller has already been shining in the shortstop position, and Brookstyn Nelson is proving to be a flexi­ble outfielder, handling both right and left field with ease. Another adaptable player is Joee Seidel, whom the coach says is “ready to play anywhere.”

Manthey noted that Audrey Miller had been hard at work in the offseason, practicing with her mom, and it’s paying off. According to her coach, “she’s a great hitter.”

Kaedence Peterson has been a strong player as well, and Manthey said she is “catching on to the fundamentals really quickly.” Her team­mate, Miah Arnold, is also showing a lot of promise and natural talent.

“I really like her because she’s a go getter,” said Manthey. “She is willing to get out there or make suggestions of what she wants to do, during games and during practice. She’s been willing to catch, she’s been willing to play in­field. I had her in outfield, too.”

Having junior high and varsity practice to­gether might not seem ideal, but there are defi­nite benefits to combining the two.

“I feel like it’s kind of an advantage for the younger girls,” Manthey said. “Because they get to practice with the older girls and get to observe and learn from them first-hand.”

With a strong defensive team, Manthey said the focus will be on becoming more vocal on the field, which should improve their overall performance. This season, the coaches also plan to concentrate on maintaining energy through­out the game, even during tough moments.

“We seem to do better when we’re in good spirits,” she said. “Even if we’re losing, it doesn’t mean we can’t have fun and still play well.”

Manthey emphasizes that staying positive and enjoying the game, even during tough mo­ments, is key. It’s part of what she loves about coaching—working with the girls and fostering that mindset.

She also finds joy in spending time with the young athletes, saying, “I just like working with the girls. I love softball. It brings some fun into my life.”

The coach expressed appreciation in partner­ing with her friend, and fellow teammate in an area women’s softball league, Stacy Spry.

“I feel like I want to keep coaching as long as Stacy is coaching,” Manthey said. “Last season was really fun, and I wanted to do it again.”

Good luck in the upcoming season, Cook County Vikings!