There’s going to be a big target this season on the Ankeny Centennial softball team.
After cruising to their first state championship in dominating fashion a year ago, the Jaguars will undoubtedly be getting the best shot from their opponents in 2024.
It’s a challenge that coach Brett Delaney and his players wholeheartedly welcome.
“Last year was a special year,” said Delaney, who was named the Class 5A coach of the year after guiding the Jaguars to a 36-5 record. “This year is a new year, and the girls have come with the same expectations and work ethic if not even more drive to play at that high level they expect to. We get the opportunity to play in the best conference in the state of Iowa, and those opportunities prepare us for that end-of-the-season run. I am so proud of this group and how they have handled every challenge and opportunity presented to them so far this season.”
Centennial boasts six returning starters from last year’s team, led by a trio of all-staters in sophomores Jordyn Kennedy and Mady Ott and freshman Lauren Sandholm. Seniors Cora Boyle, Payton Drefke and Addi Starr are also back after earning all-conference honors.
“We have had some really competitive practices,” said Delaney, whose top-ranked team will open the season on Tuesday with a non-conference game at ADM (Adel), the No. 10 squad in Class 4A. “The senior leadership and commitment this group has for each other is very special. We have a really good mix of returners and new members to our squad, and the daily energy this group brings is great.”
Kennedy, a first baseman, was named the captain of the Class 5A all-tournament team after the Jaguars defeated their three opponents by a 29-2 margin, including a pair of run-rule victories in the final two games. She was joined on the squad by Ott.
Kennedy had two home runs in the tournament. She hit a two-run blast and also had an RBI double as Centennial routed Pleasant Valley, 11-0, in five innings in the title game.
Kennedy batted .464 with a team-high 12 home runs and 49 RBIs. She earned all-state honors for the second straight year, landing a spot on the Class 5A first team.
Sandholm, a pitcher, compiled a 13-1 record with a 1.08 ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .161 average. She helped the Jaguars to the CIML Conference crown.
Sandholm was selected to the Class 5A second team and also joined Kennedy on the all-conference first team and the Class 5A West all-district team. She will likely carry a heavier load this season following the graduation of Lauren Gustofson, who started every game in the postseason.
Ott, an outfielder, went 5-for-7 in the state tournament. She scored five runs and drove in six more.
Ott batted .432 with seven homers and 42 RBIs while leading the team with two triples. She was named to the Class 5A third team and to the all-conference third team.
Drefke is expected to join Ott in the outfield after she completes her golf season. The Augustana (S.D.) golf recruit will play in the Class 4A state meet on Thursday and Friday at Otter Creek.
As a junior, Drefke batted .416 with five doubles, 10 RBIs and a team-high 12 stolen bases. She was a second-team all-conference pick.
Boyle, an infielder, batted .331 with four doubles and 19 RBIs. The University of Maryville commit also saw action in six games as a pitcher, going 3-0 with a 2.24 ERA.
Starr, a third baseman and catcher, batted .294 with one homer and 26 RBIs. The Central College recruit received all-conference honorable mention along with Boyle.
Seniors Jessica Lathrop and Ellie Lorenz will also play softball at the next level. Lathrop, an infielder and pitcher, is headed to William Penn. Lorenz, a utility player, has committed to Hawkeye Community College.
Juniors Makenna Foster and Mary Brantley are among the others battling for playing time. Sophomores Kori Lincicum and Delaney Wyble could also be key contributors.
“We have some very talented underclassmen that are pushing for their opportunities on a daily basis,” Delaney said. “We are very fortunate for the competitive nature they bring to our team and the options they bring.”
Delaney said it will be important for his team to remain consistent with its approach.
“The mental focus throughout a 40-game schedule is challenging,” he said. “We will rely on our returning players to continue to mentor and assist on our journey.”
