The Dupo High School softball program has hit the reset button with a brand new coach and 10 underclassmen on its 2024 roster.

The Tigers went 8-12 last year.

Running the team this year is first-time head coach Keith Czapla. He has been leaning on returning assistant coach Tony Hempen to get up to speed on the culture of Tigers softball.

“He ran open gyms for us this winter, and I have leaned on him with getting to know these girls,” Czapla said.

One returning senior hoping to provide some stability is Maddie Ehrhard, who hit .369 with six home runs last season. 

Another key player from last year, junior Kaylyn Woods, is injured. She hit .529 with 22 extra base hits and 31 runs scored last season. Woods, a Mineral Area College commit, may miss the entire season for the Tigers.

Two sophomores who have provided some offensive spark in the early going this spring are Adrienne Latimer and Lily McMannis.  

Newcomers expected to play key roles this season for the Tigers include  freshman catcher/utility player Keara Prater and freshman shortstop Kaitlyn Roberts.

In the pitching circle, Czapla said junior Kaitlynn Townsend is being counted on for the most part.  

“Our youth is definitely going to have us a little inexperienced, but also it gives them the opportunity to play hard and prove themselves,” the rookie coach said.  “I too am eager to prove myself, but I too will have to learn with the girls.  Probably our biggest strength though is the fact that they all really seem to be a unit and play for each other.”

As for 2024 expectations, Czapla said the goal is to work hard and improve every day.

“I think we have a team that could finish top two in the conference,” he said. “For me personally, I like to win but I want to lay the blueprint for this team’s success moving forward.”