Many people didn’t know what to expect from the 2025 version of the Cabell Midland Lady Knights softball team. Even though Midland had made a serious run at the state championship last year, they had lost many key players from the 2024 team to graduation. There were many unknowns heading into the 2025 season. But one thing

the team did know is that they would have strong senior leadership from Nicole Harris(3B), Baylee Smith (C), Hayla Norris (2B), Linda Garcia (P/2B), Anna Elkins (3B), Emma Brunty (OF), and Ellie McCormill (CF).

Every girl on the roster made significant contributions to the team's success this year. In addition to the fantastic senior leadership, the Lady Knights' underclassmen played pivotal roles. Junior pitcher Drea Watts had a phenomenal year in the circle, carrying most of the pitching load for the Lady Knights this season. Junior shortstop Becca Conrad displayed excellence on both offense and defense. Katelynn Harless,

Karlee Salmons, Kalissa Hess, and Maddie McCallister all played like veterans and came through in the clutch so many times. Charley Adkins, Zailei Adkins, Summer Garcia, and Brendalynn Minton stepped up in crucial times to produce for the 2025 Lady Knights!

The Lady Knights had one of the best seasons in school history. Entering the state tournament, Midland compiled a 26-3 overall record (13-0 at home, 8-2 record away, and 5-1 at neutral sites) and ranked the #1 team in the state. They won the 2025 MSAC Championship by beating Hurricane 1-0. Just a few days later, the Lady Knights would beat Hurricane two more times to win the Region 4 Section 3 tournament and advance to the regional finals against Parkersburg South. Midland made quick work of the Lady Patriots by winning the first two games of the series to advance to the AAAA  state tournament at Little Creek Park in South Charleston.

In addition to having one of the best team records in school history, several of the girls had some incredible individual achievements during the regular season. Senior Nicole Harris recorded her 100th career base hit. Junior Becca Conrad also recorded her 100th career base hit while Junior pitcher, Drea Watts, secured her 500th career strikeout.

These girls, as well as several other Midland players,  earned numerous postseason honors. Cabell Midland softball has now made the state tournament four of the last five years and three years in a row, winning the state championship in both 2021 and 2023.

 Hopefully, the 2025 team will finish off a tremendous season with a state championship of their own!