by Jamie Harris
With a youthful roster and a hunger to compete, the Berkeley Springs Lady Indians softball team enters the 2025 season with a fresh outlook under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Cat Wood. After graduating five experienced seniors last year, the team is in a rebuilding phase, but they remain focused on growth, fundamentals, and teamwork.
At the heart of the Lady Indians’ lineup is senior Alaira Harrington, an all-state stand-out and Potomac State College signee. Harrington wasted no time making an impact this season, launching a home run in her first at-bat during a recent scrimmage. Her ability to perform under pressure, both in the circle and at the plate, will be crucial for a young squad looking for leadership.
Joining Harrington as key returners are Layla Parsell, Kamryn Buck and Scotlyn Forney, all of whom will play vital roles in providing stability and mentorship to the younger players. The Lady Indians will also welcome an influx of new talent, with promising newcomers Molly Boyles, Isabella Albanese, Hailey Adkins and Dakota Adams looking to make an immediate impact.
Despite their youth—featuring just two seniors and one junior alongside seven sophomores and six freshmen, Coach Wood sees this season as an opportunity to lay the foundation for the program’s future. “We know we’ re young and we know there’ s a learning curve, but that’ s not going to stop us from competing every game,” said Wood. “This season is all about reinforcing fundamentals, developing confidence, and, most importantly, having fun.”
The Lady Indians open their season with a busy week ahead: March 19, 6:30 p.m. at Martinsburg; March 21, 6 p.m. at home against Hancock and March 22, double header at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Petersburg.
With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Lady Indians are poised to take on the challenges ahead, using this season as a stepping stone toward long-term success.
