By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Photos provided by Marbury Softball Team
The Marbury Bulldogs softball team, led by Head Coach Jason Easterling, was one of only eight teams competing in the 2023 Class 5A State Softball Tournament. The Bulldogs defeated St. Paul, but dropped games against Brewbaker Tech and Ardmore, the two teams that played for the Class 5A state championship. The Bulldogs return a slew of experienced players that hope to use that experience to claim the 5A crown in 2024.
The 2024 Marbury softball team will feature an impressive 7 different players that have signed college scholarships to continue their softball career after high school, as well as several other uncommitted prospects that will have big contributions.
Addyson Jarman – Faulkner University
Jarman is the top returning offensive player for the Bulldogs. As a junior, she had a .450 average and hit 10 home runs with an OPS of 1.484. Jarman cited her favorite moment of the season was qualifying for the state tournament. As a senior, she has set goals to steal more bases and be more aggressive on the base path.
“I love Faulkner because it felt like home,” said Jarman. “The coaches are nice, but they are also competitive. The players that are coming to Faulkner and the players that are already there are very skilled. I love playing with people who love the game and wants to do as much as possible to win.”
Jarman is very appreciative of her teammates, coaches, and community. “I appreciate that my teammates are always so supportive and keep the game fun. I appreciate that my coaches are always there to make me better every day. I appreciate that my community is full of spirit.”
Mckinley Tatum – Wesleyan College (Macon, Georgia)
Tatum plays 2nd base for Marbury, and had some big plays in the field, along with a walk-off hit to beat Demopolis in the Area Tournament. She cited the entire playoff experience as her favorite moment.
Tatum’s goals for this season are to be a leader on the field, .500 OBP, and win the state championship.
“Our softball team is a family,” Tatum said. “We love each other and our coaches care for us as if we were their kids.”
Tatum visited several colleges before deciding on Wesleyan. “When walking on the campus, I instantly loved the coaches, environment, and my future teammates. Their school had the most opportunity for me.”
Skylar Barks – Bevill State
Barks is a pitcher that finished her junior season with 108 strikeouts. She is also a force at the plate and cited her favorite moment from last season as a walk off home run against Demopolis. Her individual goal for this season is more home runs, with a team goal of winning a state championship.
“The team chemistry,” Barks explained is what she appreciates most about her teammates. “And the coaches have our backs always.”
Morgan Turner – Bevill State
Turner will join Barks at Bevill State. She was injured most of last season but is expected to return to the lineup and play in the outfield.
Turner also mentioned the team’s chemistry as an important aspect for the upcoming season. “Our goal is to come together as a team, work together, and win state.”
She cited the factors that led her to choose Bevill State. “When I met Coach Harris and the players at Bevill, I knew that was where I wanted to be.”
Harlie Grantham – Marion Military
Grantham returned to Marbury after a season at Autauga Academy. Coach Easterling described her as a “juggernaut in the box,” and is glad that she has returned to Marbury.
Grantham said all the players are fun and everyone is close. She hopes to make great memories this season and win the state championship.
“I chose Marion because of Coach Jeff’s personality. That immediately drew me to the school. It was never hard to be myself around him. The school prepares you for a great career. I would like to join the Air Force after school so Marion checked all the boxes.”
Elizabeth Woodfin – Florida Southwestern (Fort Myers, Florida)
Woodfin pitched the final two games of the Regionals against Demopolis and Tallassee to send the Bulldogs to the state tournament. She said striking out the final batter in the Regionals was her favorite memory from the previous season. Woodfin finished the season with 122 strikeouts.
“I appreciate the love and support from everyone. This program and team is truly a blessing to be a part of.”
Woodfin explained why she chose Florida Southwestern. “I feel like this is the best opportunity for me to compete at a high level. I feel like God has led me to go there and I am excited for this opportunity that he has blessed me with.”
Sara Roeten – Southern Union (Wadley, Alabama)
Roeten will play outfield for the Bulldogs in 2024. “Sara is one of the best outfielders I’ve coached,” said Coach Easterling. “Her eyes for angles and ability to float to the ball puts her in a nice class.”
In the spring, Roeten hopes to improve on offense and help the team win the state championship. She cited the hospitality and caring attitudes of teammates and coaches as an important aspect.
“The campus is beautiful,” Roeten said of Southern Union. “I trust the coaches to get me to the next level.”
Additionally, the Bulldogs have several uncommitted teammates that will have big roles in 2024. Clarity Richards, Logan Foradori, and Brooklan Popwell all stated that a team goal for next season is to win the state championship.
Popwell hopes to earn a position at 3rd base
and improve her batting average, while Foradori wants to swing at the first strike and have more accurate throw downs. Richards hopes to improve her hitting as well as improve behind the plate.
Good luck to the Bulldogs in their quest for the Class 5A crown!
