Lady Wolverines looking for a successful season with a lot of talented players

A year ago, the world was upended by a microorganism and the country was literally shut down, and no one was immune to the virus or the consequences of the lockdown. Even in the rural community of Weiser, everything changed and sadly, the group of Lady Wolverines that comprise the softball team were told their season was over before it even began.
 Seniors hoping to get noticed by collegiate coaches were left with no venue to showcase their skills and athletes that live for the love of softball were left with a hole in their lives and their schedules.
 However, one year later, the season will proceed as scheduled. Despite a little weather setback that blanketed the field in a foot of snow in mid-February, the Lady Wolverines have been practicing, teams have been decided and the coaches and players are thrilled to be back on the diamond.
 Head coach Brad Cordes is returning at the helm of the Lady Wolverine softball program. He will be assisted by his brother, Wade Cordes, as well as Corey McConnell.  
 The junior varsity squad is coached once again by head coach Annaka Wogan and assistant Cody Samson.  
 Cordes is anxious for the season and states, “I’m so excited to get back on the field.”  
 Cordes commented on the amount of talent and cohesiveness on his team this year, “We have girls that have been playing together since they were 12. We have great speed on the base path. We are hitting the ball very well, and we have great contact hitters and multiple girls that can hit with power.”
 The Lady Wolverines will be returning eight players at the varsity level. However, with the cancellation of the 2020 season, this year will essentially be the varsity-level debut for five of these players.  
 Seniors, Kali Branstetter and Lindsey McConnell will be playing center field and outfield, respectively, while the juniors on the team will be occupying the infield.  Mecarte Olson will play first base, Ivy Morris will be at the third bag and Whitney Cordes will step in as one of three available Wolverine pitchers. Sophomores on the team this season are Tobie Noyer, Macy Maloney and twins, Hannah and Grace Swank.  
 Noyer will be aiding in the pitching department and will also play where she is needed in the infield.  Maloney will occupy second base and Hannah and Grace Swank will play utility and catcher, respectively.  
 Two freshman players made the squad this year and are expected to make a big impact on the season.  Danika Lockett will be at shortstop and pitcher and Abby Wilkins will play in the outfield.
 With three experienced pitchers on the team, Cordes is very excited about the staff in the circle.  
 “I’m really looking forward to having three great girls that can pitch.  Lockett, Noyer and Cordes are all amazing pitchers and the experience this year is like nothing we have had in my 4-years of coaching.”  
 In addition to his pitchers, Cordes is pleased to have such a versatile squad this year.
 “This is the first time I have had girls that can play anywhere, and I mean anywhere. One game they could be in the outfield and next game they are in the infield.”
 Cordes was quick to mention that this group of talented young women is largely attributable to their parents.  He stated, “I want to give a shout-out to the parents.  This group of parents are amazing, and I have never seen anything like it.”  He added, “We end practice and there are players and parents still working. I have seen some parents in the past put in the extra time, but nothing like this.”
 The Lady Wolverines had their first game on their home field on March 15, 2021 against the visiting Caldwell Cougars.

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Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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