Deer Park Softball Embarks on New Season

The team goal was delivered loud and clear from Head Coach Dana Shaw at the end of softball practice on March 8: win a state tournament trophy.

Shaw said the commitment of the players showed with nearly three-quarters of the team attending an optional practice session.

Shaw described his roster as having many "interchangeable pieces" with multiple roster members capable of being used at different positions.

The Lady Stags return five all-league honorees from their 2025 Greater Spokane League championship campaign, which saw a final record of 18-3. Last year, the team fell short of state qualification after dropping the district semi-final to Pullman.

A pair of junior infielders return from solid sophomore seasons. Shortstop Lucy Lathrop, who is closing in on the program’s all-time home run record, will join Jillian Marshall, who will be at first base.

A talented sophomore class returns three all-league performers. Pitcher Hailey Thompson returns, but Shaw said he expects her to begin the season playing second base until she has recovered fully from injury. Her spot on the mound is expected to be filled by senior Mady Ellingson. He added that Kapri Bailey, who, with Lathrop, stood at or near the top of the league leader board in multiple offensive categories last season, brings offensive punch with long ball potential. Emme Bogle, a third baseman and the infield, will be a solid foundation for success, Shaw said.

The outfield will take some retooling, with the five seniors who rotated there last season gone.  Shaw said junior Katelyn Reiter and sophomore Hailee Orgill lead the list of candidates.

Shaw concluded by saying the keys to success are remaining injury-free and the team staying focused on the goal.

Their season will open on March 13 with two games in Lewiston against Potlatch and the Lewiston freshman team.