Center Grove is primed to continue the championship tradition as the Trojans return to action with seniors, from left, middle infielder Tess Lawyer Smith, pitcher-Wisconsin recruit Abbie Herbst, infielder-University of Indianapolis recruit Piper Belden and outfielder Addie Homeier.
Alyssa Coleman takes the coaching reins at Center Grove after leading Speedway to the 2018 class 2A IHSAA championship. She follows the 27-year hall of fame career of Russ Milligan who coached the Trojans to five state titles. CENTER GROVE (4A, 30-2) – Firstyear Trojans coach Alyssa Coleman led Speedway to 2A state title last year … takes over for hall of fame coach Russ Milligan (27 seasons, 741-95, five state championships) … team hit phenomenal .401 … opened last year with 23 straight wins … graduated Jordyn Rudd (.525, 52 hits, 45 RBI, 10 home runs), Carolyn Anderson (.368) & Brittney York … senior leaders, pitcher Abby Herbst (.583, 56 hits, 48 RBI; 21-1, 0.56 ERA), middle infielder Piper Belden (.500), Addie Homeier (.500) & Tess Lawyer-Smith play with heart … plenty of ability in juniors, catcher Lexi Fair (.378), infielders Kennedy Bader (.357), Kaci Finchum (.416), Lauren Wackerly (.286), outfielder Jillian Ransdell (.294) & pitcher Brooke York … soph pitcher Alexis Rudd adds depth … no wavering in high expectations.
Coach’s comments: “They (CG) gave me a call, and this was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist professionally. I inherited a super bunch of players. These girls have played together for a long time; it’s a matter of fine-tuning & building confidence. We must find a way to produce from the bottom of the lineup, too. They know they can hit, so it’s a matter of calming them in the box when the pressures on – just go with the game. We have gamers. When I sit back and watch them play, it’s fun. I trust them in what they do, but if I see some road bumps we will adjust. Abbie Herbst is primed to play; it’s her leadership and the other kids play off that. I just trust that they are ready.
Coach’s comments: “They (CG) gave me a call, and this was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist professionally. I inherited a super bunch of players. These girls have played together for a long time; it’s a matter of fine-tuning & building confidence. We must find a way to produce from the bottom of the lineup, too. They know they can hit, so it’s a matter of calming them in the box when the pressures on – just go with the game. We have gamers. When I sit back and watch them play, it’s fun. I trust them in what they do, but if I see some road bumps we will adjust. Abbie Herbst is primed to play; it’s her leadership and the other kids play off that. I just trust that they are ready.
Junior infielders bring solid defense and big bats at Center Grove, from left, Lexi Fair, Kaci Finchum, Brooke York and Kennedy Bader.
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