“I think they’re really doing well,” Schalnat said of the newcomers. “They’re absorbing all the information at practice, whether it’s bunting situations or anything in general.
“We’re going over things continually. There’s definitely a lot of coaching going on this year — not that there wasn’t in the past. But going from experienced kids — those infielders were four-year starters — to this year, we’re starting over.”
The Cougars may have holes to fill, but they have a veteran at the sport’s most important position. Turner was named first-team all-state last season after going 24-4 and tossing nine shutouts while finishing with a 1.58 ERA.
She also batted .400 with six homers and 29 RBIs in 28 games.
Though only a junior, she’s been named team captain and takes her role seriously.
“She’s everything you can ask for in a team captain,” Schalnat said. “She’s out there working with the kids and encouraging them. She tries her best. She gives 100 percent every day at practice. Even after practice, she’s out there putting the balls away or putting the tee away. She’s a great leader for the girls.”
The three-year starter is mostly a power pitcher. But Schalnat said, “She has some off-speed pitches and can throw to different locations.”
The Cougars have three other returning starters, though two are playing new positions. Sophomore Lexee Trainer is moving from right field likely to shortstop and junior Peyton Fleming from second base to catcher. Sophomore Jordan Rucker is staying put in the outfield.
Trainer is the best bat in the bunch, hitting .440 last season with 28 RBIs.
A pair of freshmen have made strong impressions. Infielder Jade Espinosa and outfielder Maci Runkle could start when the Cougars begin their season Wednesday at home against Northeastern.
“Being young this year, it’s them just getting a lot of experience,” Schalnat said. “Varsity-level softball is a lot faster than some of the pace these young girls are used to. It’s a learning experience for them. But I look for them to do a lot of nice things.”
The Cougars have gone 24-4, 23-4, 27-3 and 31-3 the last four years. They reached the Division II regional semifinals last season and were the state runner-up in 2013.
The key to the success is that the majority of players have made softball a year-‘round sport.
“Most of my kids play travel ball. They’re playing all summer, and they’re learning from experience, and that helps them out in the long run,” Schalnat said.
Challenging themselves: The Cougars have Piqua, Worthington Kilbourne and a double-header against Centerville on the schedule.
“We try to play good games outside the league to prepare for the tournament and try to get better,” Schalnat said.
Moving on: The Cougars have sent several players to college softball programs in recent years, including Mariah Burkhardt (Wilmington) and Mykee Holtz (Urbana) from the 2016 team.
“It’s great they had an opportunity to go on and play — especially something they put a lot of time in,” said Schalnat, who starred at KR in the late 1990s and then played at Urbana U. “That’s just a great thing about our school and program.”
Experienced coach: Schalnat is in her 15th year overall at KR. She was an assistant under Ed Foulk for seven years, then was head coach at Springfield North in 2007 before returning to the Cougars.
She was known as Sarah Ivory before marrying Kevin Schalnat in 2013 and dropping her maiden name.
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