Softball teams competing in the University Interscholastic League hit the practice fields a week before their baseball counterparts and the Sealy Lady Tigers’ preseason opener on Feb. 2 is quickly approaching.

Brittney Whitehead reassumed head coaching duties after missing what was the latter part of last year’s shortened season on maternity leave and returns alongside key players who will look to lead the team once again.

“After getting cut short last year with the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down our season and our school, we are excited to get back on the field,” the head coach said.

All six seniors on this year’s roster have logged meaningful innings for Sealy and Whitehead looked forward to seeing them end their high school careers on a high note. The head coach looked to pitcher Kayla Camacho, infielder Justice Jett and outfielder Brooke Kram as being some of the major pieces to the puzzle.

“Kayla’s role as our #1 pitcher is a huge key to our success as a team this season. She is talented both offensively and defensively and is expected to be the backbone of our team to finish out her career at Sealy High School before she goes on to play at the next level,” Whitehead said. “Justice is a returning middle infielder that I have full confidence in to work hard, be a leader, and push her fellow infielders to get better every day. Brooke is our returning centerfielder and her positivity and drive are contagious. We only hope that she rubs off on her teammates and sets a great example of what is expected out of a Sealy softball player.”

Whitehead added that some of the Lady Tigers’ complementary pieces are still finishing their duties as multisport athletes and will join the team once the basketball season concludes. In addition, she said, some underclassmen could make some noise.

“From what I have seen so far, I am excited about the new talent coming up with these freshman players,” Whitehead said. “There is so much potential, and I can’t wait to see what they can do.”

Altogether, Whitehead said the coaching staff looked forward to getting the season underway.

“As coaches, we expect big things out of this group, as we do with all of our teams. Our goal is to work hard and get better every day and good things will come. Not only do we want to be a team, we are a family,” Whitehead said.

After four preseason scrimmages, Sealy will host Hallettsville in the season opener Feb. 16 at the high school. Three tournaments are scheduled in Katy, Spring Branch and Lamar before the slate of games within District 24-4A will begin to shape the playoff positioning.

The Lady Tigers’ first district contest is set for March 16 at home against Wharton and the first round of district play is scheduled to end March 29 at home against Bellville. The second round of district play is set to begin and end on the road in Wharton and Bellville on April 1 and April 20, respectively.