Pitching, Defense Critical for HP to Become a Hit in New Softball District

Depth, lineup experience have Lady Scots feeling confident about their chances

Realignment might have dropped Highland Park to Class 5A in softball, but it still didn’t do the Lady Scots many favors.

Despite a challenging district, however, HP head coach Michael Pullen is upbeat about a potential return to postseason contention this spring.

“I’m way more optimistic than I was a couple of years ago,” Pullen said about the difference in classification. “I’m pretty confident about our team right now.”

Pullen’s positivity stems in part from the return of right-handed pitcher Cecilia Knutson, a first-team all-district selection a year ago as a sophomore.

Knutson participated in high-level tournaments with her select team during the offseason and raised the velocity on her pitches.

HP will have other options in the circle, too, most notably freshman Emma Hyde, a lanky right-hander who will likely share innings and compete for the starting role.

“It’s a really good battle but a healthy battle between the two of them,” Pullen said. “Having both of them is really going to be good for us.”

Having additional arms adds depth and guards against fatigue as the season progresses. Returning outfielder Ava Marsh will be in the pitching mix, as well.

“They get along and push each other,” Pullen said. “We’ve had multiple pitchers in the past, but it’s never been like this. We’ve got two legitimate No. 1 (pitchers).”

Kathryn Joiner, a four-year starter at catcher and third base, will be a fixture in the middle of the batting order along with Knutson and outfielder Anna Higgins. Other key returnees include Taylor Gilliam and Shannon Hart, who will shift from center field to shortstop.

Also expected to contribute as infielders for HP this season are Lily Kruger, Audrey Teeples, and sophomore Sophia Price. Pullen likes the mix of youth and experience in the lineup, even if it lacks slugging prowess.

“The pop is there, but it will just look a little different without some of the big power we’re used to,” Pullen said. “We’re relying on pitching and defense, taking care of ground balls and trying not to give up anything big.”

The new-look District 12-5A is noteworthy for the inclusion of three Frisco ISD programs — Lone Star, Wakeland, and Reedy — which are all perennial powerhouses.

HP narrowly missed the playoffs last season, and hasn’t advanced past the first round of postseason play since 2019.

Yet with four spots up for grabs, HP likes its chances: “I think we’ll surprise some people in this district,” Pullen said.