With a solid returning core from a team that went 18-3 and won a regional title last season, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the Valmeyer High School softball program this spring. 

Key returners for the Pirates include seniors Brooke Miller, Payton Similey and Mia McSchooler. 

Miller, who has starred in volleyball and basketball in addition to her prior softball success, went 11-1 with a 1.53 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 87 innings pitched and also hit .487 with two homers, seven triples and 21 runs for the Pirates last season. 

Similey is an all-conference catcher who hit .508 with two homers, four triples and 21 RBIs in 2023.

McSchooler, an infielder, hit .464 with 18 runs and also performed well in the pitching circle with a 4-1 record in 31 innings last season.

“(Mia) has outstanding bunting skills but has gained incredible power and strength this year,” Valmeyer head coach Gayle McCarthy said.

Other seniors for the Pirates are outfielders Hannah Gideon and Kate Lueck, in addition to Brooke Mueller and Rylee Nagel.

Nagel, who previously played at Gibault, returns to the diamond following injuries. McCarthy said she  “has a great bat” and “will see some pitching time too” this spring.

Junior players for the Pirates in 2024 are transfer student and upcoming catcher Gabby Marquardt, in addition to Kylie Sullivan.  

 Sophomores  are shortstop Avery Proffer, Alex Deluca and second base and utility player Laney Dehn.

Freshmen include Maddie Huddleston, who will see some time as pitcher, as well as Mylee Hall.

“I believe I have the best pitching, catching and defense in the conference,” McCarthy said. “This team is used to winning.”

Goals for the Pirates in 2024 include repeating as both conference and regional champions. 

“We are hoping to make it past sectionals this year. We fell short and lost in the first sectional game last year,” McCarthy said. “We have four strong pitchers  for the first time in the history of the ball team.”

The talent is certainly there for the Pirates this season. It’s just a matter of putting in the work and executing to the best of their abilities.