Minerva High softball banking on physical, mental improvement

After finishing 9-15 overall and 3-7 in Eastern Buckeye Conference play last season, Minerva enters the 2026 softball season focused on growth, consistency, and developing a stronger mindset under head coach Katie Hannen.

While the middling record may not have reflected it a year ago, the Lions bring back a solid foundation of experience, including six returning letter winners who have seen significant varsity time. That group is expected to play a key role not only in performance but also in setting the tone for a team that Hannen expects could take a step forward.

“Our team goal this year is to have a positive mental attitude,” Hannen said. “Softball is a game of mistakes, and it is vital that we overcome errors and keep playing hard.”

Leading the way is senior shortstop Rachel Weaver, who will continue her career at Shawnee State University next year. Weaver provides leadership and experience at a critical infield position and will be counted on to guide a roster that blends veteran presence with developing talent.

Minerva also returns a strong junior class that has contributed since early in their high school careers. Delaney Sell (P/Util), Gabby Kashdan (C/Util), Adrianna Kashdan (C/Util), and Natalie Essick (2B/OF) have all been starters since their freshman seasons and are expected to play major roles again this spring. Their familiarity with the varsity level should help stabilize the team in pressure situations and provide cohesion and consistency throughout the lineup. Last but certainly not least, sophomore Kylie Hannen (1B/P) also returns and will provide a spark from the mound.

The Lions will also look to a group of newcomers to add depth and fill key roles. Senior Danika Wagner and junior Amber Medina are expected to contribute in the outfield, while sophomore Maddie Crawford brings positional versatility, and freshman Kayden Holcomb adds potential in the infield. Their development will be important as the team works through some early-season adjustments.

That adjustment period is something Hannen, who’s entering her sixth year as head coach, knows will be a factor.

“We will have some inexperienced players in certain positions,” she said. “It will be important for them to keep their heads up and continue working hard when things don’t go their way.”

With that in mind, Minerva’s success may hinge on how quickly those players adapt and how effectively the team maintains its focus during difficult stretches. The emphasis on mental toughness is something the coaching staff hopes will translate into more consistent play over the course of the season.

In terms of the conference race, Hannen expects familiar contenders to lead the way. As for the Lions, who finished fifth last season, her expectations remain grounded but optimistic.

“West Branch and Marlington should be at the top of the league,” Hannen said. “We hope to finish in the middle of the pack.”

If Minerva can combine its returning experience with the growth of its younger players, the Lady Lions have a chance to become more competitive as the season progresses. With a renewed focus on attitude and resilience, Hannen has the program primed to build a foundation that should pay dividends beyond just this year’s results.