Bennington’s Rylee Benien – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Visit Salina
For Rylee Benien, the season was less about individual milestones and more about building something lasting with her teammates. “This year, a big focus for our team was continuing to grow together,” Benien said. “Since many of us have played with each other for the past few years, we already had a strong bond. Because […]
Southeast of Saline Softball – Team of the Month – Presented by Visit Wichita
With only one senior on the roster and a lineup filled with inexperienced players, the Southeast of Saline softball team entered the season with questions surrounding how quickly the younger players would develop. Instead, the Trojans have turned youth into one of their biggest strengths. Southeast of Saline has stormed to a 21-1 record, captured […]
May/June 2026 North Central Kansas Magazine
Sylvan-Lucas’s Harlee Nelson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by BRM Farms and Heller Chiropractic LLC
By Blake Chadwick Harlee Nelson is a senior at Sylvan-Lucas who has built her softball career through years of experience, consistency and leadership in the circle and on the infield. The senior has played high school softball for four years and competed in travel softball for eight, giving her a strong foundation that shows in […]
Minneapolis Softball – Team of the Month – Presented by Visit Wichita
By Matt Browning The Minneapolis softball team went 21-5 last season and qualified for the Class 3A Tournament, but the Lions lost a significant amount of talent from that squad. However, head coach Bryan Weatherman remains optimistic about his team’s chances in 2026. “We are replacing six seniors, but we can be as successful as […]
Blue Dragon Spotlight – Reese Goetz – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning For softball player Reese Goetz, the decision to continue her athletic and academic career at Hutchinson Community College came down to a combination of strong facilities, supportive coaches and a welcoming team environment. “When I was being recruited, the facilities really stood out to me,” Goetz said. “They have a really nice […]
Wichita Trinity Academy – Field of the Month – Presented by Hellas Construction
By Matt Browning Wichita Trinity Academy has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its softball facility with the addition of a permanent seating structure and press box, thanks to a recently completed project by Hellas Construction. The new installation includes more than 250 permanent seats, providing a long-term solution for fans and creating a […]
Bennington’s Haylee Blake – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Visit Salina
By Blake Chadwick As a senior and three-year team captain for the Bennington softball program, Haylee Blake understands the responsibility that comes with leading from the circle. Blake has been playing softball for 11 years, and during that time she has developed into a key piece of the Bennington lineup. As the team’s pitcher, she […]
Inman Softball – Team of the Month – Presented by Visit Wichita
By Matt Browning The Inman softball team went 26–2 last season, finishing second at the 2-1A softball tournament. With so many returning players this season, the Teutons are poised to be a threat again as they chase a state championship. Inman brings back Lyla Levin, first team all-league pitcher; Taylor Froese, first team all-league infielder; […]
Chapman’s Kyle Cook – Coach of the Month – Presented Salina Regional Orthopedic Clinic
By Matt Browning Kyle Cook is in his fourth year as the head softball coach at Chapman. He has worn many hats at both the middle school and high school levels, but softball is right up his alley, especially since he has coached his two daughters’ summer teams. “My coaching philosophy as a program first […]