The Iola High School Mustang softball team may look much different when they take the field for Thursday’s jamboree in Girard.
Missing will be All-state pitcher Zoie Hesse who recently suffered a knee injury while competing for a youth state wrestling title.
Despite the setback, Coach Chris Weide remains steadfast in preparations.
“It’s tough. She’s probably the best player in the program’s history,” Weide said. “But there is a next-man-up approach to how we do things. Whatever happens, happens, and we’re just trying to fill the spot. The girls are doing a good job.”
Weide’s steady-as-she-goes approach comes from an in-depth knowledge of his players. After graduating nearly his entire starting lineup from last season, Weide paid particular attention to the incoming freshmen while coaching summer youth softball. Although he was limited in what he could do in the offseason, he was aware of the talent coming up from Iola Middle School.
Although young in contrast to last year’s lineup, the Mustangs are not devoid of upperclassmen. Junior Brooklyn Holloway returns for another round following a successful season in 2025. Faith Warden, the team’s only senior, hopes to leave her mark on the program in her final run with the Mustangs.
“Everybody is here for each other, and we all want the best for each other,” Warden said. “If someone has better potential, that’s good for the team. We just want to make it to past regionals and to state. We’ve started to take our reps more seriously, and Thursday will show us what we’ve learned so far.”
Weide credited the Mustangs’ competitive approach to every practice for getting them up to speed in time for Thursday’s jamboree. Similar to the proverb of iron sharpening iron, he believes their competitive drive for a starting spot in the lineup improves the team overall.
“Instead of holes, I see it as opportunities for the girls, and a few stepped up to solidify where they’re going to be,” Weide said. “There are still five or six spots that are wide open. Every day they’re battling and the coaches and I discuss who should be there. Some days it changes and some days it stays the same.”
