Gaston College begins fall drills with high expectations after second World Series appearance in three years
Gaston College's softball team is coming off a 63-5 season that ended with a fourth-place finish in the Rhinos' second National Junior College Athletic Association World Series appearance in three years.
So what now for an encore?
"Everybody is back and wants to work hard and get back to the World Series," said shortstop Katelyn Brandon, who is one of seven returnees from last year's team.
Brandon batted .371 with 10 home runs and 59 RBIs last season. She and Mary Hinson (.435 with one home run and 59 RBIs as a hitter and 1-0 record, 1.83 ERA in five pitching appearances), Savanna Mullins (.442 with five home runs and 38 RBIs as a hitter and 17-2, 2.80 ERA in 26 pitching appearances) and Arissa Duff (.385 with 27 RBIs) are the most experienced of the returnees for coach Michael Steuerwald and his staff as its goes through fall 2025 drills.
"Every year is different," said Steuerwald, who has guided the Rhinos to a 155-24 record in three seasons as head coach. "Year-to-year, you find out who's going to step into those leadership roles after a few weeks of work.
"For us, we have a really talented freshman group this year and they're going to have an opportunity to step into some of those roles and provide some leadership as well. How quickly we're able to gel the returners with the newcomers will tell us if we can have another successful season."
Pitcher-outfielder Hinson and pitcher-first baseman Mullins are the lone returning All-Region 10 selections from last year's team that sent eight of its players to four-year colleges and universities.
"I'm just hoping to duplicate what the sophomores gave us last year," Hinson said. "I want to follow their leadership and help the freshman this year like we were helped last season."
Duff said last year's team came into fall workouts motivated by finishing as runner-up in the 2024 Region 10 tournament.
"Last year definitely felt like there was unfinished business," Duff said. "This year, we want to work even harder to get back to where we were last year and pursue a championship."
Steuerwald has welcomed in a class of 12 newcomers as the Rhinos pursue Region 10 honors - and beyond.
"We've got probably our most athletic freshman class since we've been here," Steuerwald said. "Now whether or not they can earn those jobs and win is another story. We have a great group that's working to get better.
"We have a lot of athletic ability and pieces that can move around the field."