The Valmeyer High School softball squad is young this spring, with some players even new to the sport. 

“It’s most definitely a year of new recruits and a young team recruited just to have enough for a team,” Valmeyer head coach Gayle McCarthy said.

Two returning seniors for the Pirates this spring are co-captains Avery Proffer and Laney Dehn. 

Proffer, a three-time all-conference honoree, hit .525 with four home runs last season.  

“Avery is our star shortstop, but we will see her catching and trying out the pitching role,” McCarthy said. “Avery’s bat will be big for the Pirates as it was last year.”

Dehn will be filling the main pitching role for Valmeyer this spring. 

“Laney hasn’t pitched regularly since junior high, but is up for the challenge,” MCarthy said. “Laney’s bat, knowledge of the game, positive attitude and her great leadership will be key for the success of this team.” 

Last year’s main pitcher for the Pirates, junior Madison Huddleston, underwent shoulder surgery last week and is out for the season. In addition to pitching, Huddleston hit .361 in 2025.

“We are looking forward to her coming back strong for her senior season,” McCarthy said. “She will be very missed this season.” 

McCarthy said she is hopeful for big contributions this season from returning players Heidi Smith, Leah Dehn and Anna Ewing. Smith is a junior, while the other two are sophomores. 

Two freshmen who have a chance to step in right away and help the Pirates this spring are Grace Rowold and Erin Lewis. 

McCarthy said both are talented athletes and should help the team on both offense and defense.

Players new to the sport of softball are Allie Schlemmer, Chloe LaFollette, Maddie Barlock and Ella Heisner, who are stepping up to help small-school Valmeyer field a team a season. 

“(They) are eager to learn and are already exceeding expectations,” McCarthy said of her new players. 

Assisting in the dugout for McCarthy this season are Matt Similey and her daughter Payton Similey, who is a former Pirates softball standout.