Scoring runs likely won’t be a problem this season for the Ankeny Centennial softball team.
The Jaguars will again boast two of the state’s top hitters in Jordyn Kennedy and Mady Ott. They led the team to a 29-10 record and a share of the CIML Conference title a year ago after playing key roles on Centennial’s state championship squad in 2023.
Those two, along with fellow juniors Ava Faber and Kori Lincicum, have stepped into bigger leadership roles now that their college decisions are behind them.
“They’ve set a strong example with their work ethic and commitment,” said Centennial coach Brett Delaney. “At the same time, we’re fortunate to have a deep and talented junior class that’s really embraced the leadership process as a whole. They’ve all taken noticeable steps forward. And they’re lucky to be learning from an outstanding group of seniors who continue to guide and support them. We’re grateful for the effort, character, and team-first mentality that every player brings to this program.”
Kennedy, an infielder, batted .460 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles and 39 RBIs as a sophomore. She has committed to play for Minnesota.
Kennedy was a repeat pick to the Class 5A all-state first team. She was also a repeat selection to the all-conference first team and the Class 5A West all-district squad.
Ott, an outfielder, batted .378 with 13 homers, seven doubles and 39 RBIs. She tied for seventh in the entire state in home runs.
Ott was named to the Class 5A first team after earning third-team honors as a freshman. She also joined Kennedy on the all-conference first team and the all-district squad.
Ott has committed to play for Drake along with Lincicum. Lincicum, a shortstop, batted .270 with five homers and 14 RBIs a year ago.
Faber, a utility player, saw action in 16 games a year ago, batting .240 with six RBIs. She will play for DMACC.
Senior utility players Mary Brantley and Makenna Foster are also back. They both received all-conference honorable mention in 2024.
Brantley started 23 games as a junior. She batted .286 with two doubles and 10 RBIs while stealing eight bases in eight attempts.
Foster, meanwhile, started 20 games. The Grand View recruit batted .304 with a double and three RBIs.
“We’ve been very fortunate with the weather, which has allowed us to get a lot of quality work in,” Delaney said. “We’ve had two solid weeks of practice and were able to get a couple of scrimmages in against Dallas Center-Grimes and Indianola. Those games gave us a great opportunity to evaluate where we’re at and for the girls to showcase all the hard work they’ve put in during the offseason.”
Pitcher Cora Boyle graduated after going 15-1 last season, while two-time all-stater Lauren Sandholm has elected to play club ball this summer. But Delaney isn’t concerned about the lack of varsity experience among his hurlers.
Lincicum went 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts in the circle as a sophomore. Kennedy made six appearances combined in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but did not pitch last year.
Senior Aubrey Scieszinski, junior Ashley Sterling and freshman Peyten Spiegel are expected to help pick up the slack. Scieszinksi will follow Boyle to Maryville University (Mo.).
“We’re really proud of the group we have and the work they’ve put in,” Delaney said. “From eighth grade through our seniors, all of our pitchers and catchers had a strong offseason, and I’m incredibly thankful for their dedication and commitment. Our hitters are challenged daily in practice by what I believe is one of the best pitching staffs in the state. On any given night, we have multiple options in the circle, and no matter the situation, we have full confidence in all of them.”
The Jaguars will open the season on Tuesday with a non-conference game at Norwalk. They will then visit Waukee on Wednesday for their conference opener.
“We’re fortunate to have depth and flexibility in our lineup, which gives us multiple competitive options in what is arguably the toughest conference in the state,” Delaney said. “I’m really excited to see what this group has in store for everyone this season.”
Delaney said his players are putting a heavy emphasis on the mental aspects of the sport this summer.
“I believe the biggest key to our success is playing #AsOne,” he said. “With the support of the Play for Paige 33 Foundation and MaxOut Mindset, we’ve been able to put real focus on the mental side of the game. The girls have had the opportunity to reflect—both individually and as a team—on the components that will help build a toolbox for success not just on the field, but beyond it.”