The Farmersville softball program has been one of the best in the area over the last few years and is excited for another new season with plenty of returning talent.

Coming off their third straight district championship, the Lady Farmers aren’t focused on goals for the end of the year. Instead, head coach Paula Wilfong said the team is only focused on ways to get better each day and focus on the first game of the season.

“We are trying to win each day,” Wilfong said. “We are utilizing our experienced returners to help keep the culture thriving. Every practice and every rep, we are seeing breakthroughs that will push us past the area round. Our experienced utility players who are great teammates are willing and able to play multiple positions well. We always have options and the girls are ready to use every part of our arsenal.”

The Lady Farmers return plenty of talent from last season, including nine players from the varsity team that went a perfect 12-0 in district play and made the area round of the state playoffs. With this much talent still on the team from a standout season, Wilfong believes they have what it takes to elevate the program to the next level.

“Our new goals are to grow a stronger program through a tougher mentality, higher skill levels, and enhanced culture,” Wilfong said. “We are looking to move deeper into the post-season this year.”

Leading the way for Farmersville are Jamie Varga, Erin Blackburn, Morgan Erwin, Baylee Valliant, Cecily Sandoval, Carleigh Deeds, Alyssa Smith, Kaylie Casados and Bella Holland. All made an impact for the team last season and represent the core for the 2023 season. They’ll help some of the younger players fill in the holes in the team.

“We have a great group coming back,” Wilfong said. “They are our core group of girls who we are building off. In our fall season, some new players to Farmersville who really shined, Destiney Madewell and Rileigh Blankenship.”

One of those holes is Jenson McTee, who graduated last spring after hitting .373 at the plate last season with a team-leading two home runs. Not just her power in the lineup, but coach Wilfong referenced her leadership as one of the few seniors on the team last season.

“Jenson was obviously a vital part of our team for the past four years,” Wilfong said. “We are not going to say, ‘replace’ because our key players who have spent a hard-fought four years serving their teams are not replaceable, but we will definitely work hard towards closing the gap of skill and mentality they take when they graduate. We have some terrific leaders this year who will make a great impact.”

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