Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville softball team had a significant turnaround in 2026. After going 11-23 in 2025, the Lions improved to 25-16 this past season, powered by a number of Lions that have signed to continue playing softball in college. The latest to commit to a junior college program is rising senior Cadence Forrester, who committed to play at Gulf Coast State College.
“I knew from a very early age that I wanted to play college softball,” said Forrester. “When I entered high school and started the recruiting process, I wasn’t sure what my future would hold. I didn’t know where I wanted to play, I just knew I didn’t want to be done with my softball career when high school ended. As I got older and started to learn what I wanted, I decided to play at a junior college in Florida. I wanted to be closer to my family and the beach. Gulf Coast State came on my radar due to their proximity to the beach and the success they’ve had in recent years. I know Gulf Coast State is somewhere I will be pushed and eventually will be able to continue to a four year.”
Forrester was initially introduced to the school by Prattville Assistant Coach Trey Lacy. She visited the school in January and toured the athletic facilities and housing. Forrester returned in May and toured the campus.
“This is what sealed the deal for me. The great academics and new state of the art chemistry lab was a huge selling point. I knew Gulf Coast State would offer many academic opportunities for me as well as athletic,” said Forrester.
Forrester credited Prattville Assistant Coach Lacy, as well as Prattville Head Coach Chris Steiner, and travel coach Brad Rooker as coaches very influential in her development and love for the game.
“Coach Lacy worked with me throughout the winter and spring in the outfield. He saw that my ability and athleticism could help contribute to Gulf Coast State’s team. Coach Steiner’s coaching style allowed me to become a better player and athlete. She pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that I could perform at a level I never thought possible. She brings the fire back into the game that I love so much. And Coach Rooker made me love the game again. There was a time when I was unsure if my softball career would continue after high school. Coach Rooker encouraged me to go the junior college route, because he knows that I thrive in competition. Without Coach Rooker, I don’t know that I would still be playing softball.”
For her senior season in 2027, Forrester wants to be a role model for the underclassmen on the team. She credited a former teammate for helping her when she got to high school, and she wants to provide the same type of support to the next class.
“When I was a freshman, I became friends with Grace Scrimpshire who was a junior. Having an older girl meant the world to me. She always made me feel included and she made me excited to come to softball. I want the younger girls to see me as someone they can come to talk to and who makes practices fun, but I also want to be someone they strive to be like. I want them to see that you can love the game and work hard at the same time. This season I want to have fun, but I want the girls to be hungry to win!”
