The Winfield High School Lady Generals made history in 2025 by claiming the Class AAA State Softball Championship, their third consecutive state title following back-to-back wins in Class AA in 2023 and 2024. Finishing the season with an impressive 29-7 record, the team proved they could rise to the challenge at the highest level of competition in West Virginia.

Seniors Evie Loyd and Kenlie Zigmond were at the heart of this team’s success, not just this season, but throughout their entire high school careers. Both have been consistent starters since their freshman year, providing steady leadership and top-level performance year after year. Loyd earned First Team All-State honors in 2024 and 2025, while Zigmond capped her career with a First Team All-State selection in 2025. Fellow seniors Caraline Dunn and Allison Hoffman also played vital roles in shaping the team’s identity and strength during their time in the program.

The team’s chemistry, depth, and drive came into focus throughout the postseason. In the regional final against Chapmanville, Winfield trailed 1-0 entering the top of the seventh before rallying to win 3-1 in extra innings, showcasing their grit and determination.

Their run through the state tournament was nothing short of thrilling. They opened with a 7-5 victory over Hoover, followed by a 4-2 win against Weir. In the championship game against Frankfort, junior pitcher Mattie Carroll dominated in the circle, striking out 12 and allowing just one run over seven innings. But the defining moment came in the bottom of the final inning, with the score tied 1-1. Junior catcher Rylee McClellan stepped to the plate and delivered a walk-off single to seal the 2-1 victory and the state title.

Reflecting on her clutch hit, McClellan shared, “I just had a feeling, I did what I had to do, and I trusted God.” Head Coach Steve Hensley praised her mental toughness in the moment, saying, “Credit to Rylee to stick with it and have such a gutty at bat.”

McClellan’s performance was one of many strong efforts from a deep and talented roster. She was named Second Team All-Conference, as was junior Brooklyn Cole. Emeri Nelson earned First Team All-Conference honors, while Ava Cole and Ava Robinson received Honorable Mentions.

Mattie Carroll’s leadership and dominance on the mound earned her the title of Captain of the 2025 All-State team, a well-deserved honor for one of the state’s top juniors. Alongside her, Winfield’s junior class—also including McClellan, the Cole sisters, Robinson, and Nelson—has already established itself as a force and looks ready to lead the next chapter of the program.

With contributions from sophomores Maddie Taylor, Sophie Sizemore, and Natalie Cook, as well as a promising freshman group—Delaney Brumfield, Addie Howard, Sydney Rawlings, Audrey Sweeney, and Hannah Kinder—the future remains bright.

Guided by Head Coach Steve Hensley and assistants Jeff Schoolcraft, Aaron Carr, and Kenny Zigmond, the Lady Generals have built more than a winning team—they’ve built a legacy of excellence, forged by talent, resilience, and an unshakable bond.

“Our team chemistry has been one of the most consistent and important factors that has allowed us to be successful lately,” said Coach Hensley. And as they proved once again in 2025, that chemistry is championship-caliber.