A 2024 Southwest Ohio Conference (SWOC) championship title for the Talawanda softball team would be the first in school history.
Changes in the SWOC bring new opponents to the Brave’s 2024 schedule. Talawanda has competed in the SWOC since the conference debuted in 2012. Previously the conference comprised seven schools, but now only four remain: Talawanda, Harrison, Northwest and Mt. Healthy.
As a result, instead of playing each school twice, Talawanda will now compete against each team in their conference three times.
With the loss of Ross and Edgewood, Harrison is now Talawanda’s primary rival. Talawanda will play the Wildcats twice at home and once on the road this year.
“We’re definitely all collectively as a team looking forward to Harrison,” senior Molly Van Gorden said.
Harrison captured the conference regular season softball title last season with a record of 14-1. Talawanda finished tied for second with a 11-4 record in conference (19-10 overall).
2024 Roster
Head coach Scott Davie finalized the roster on February 19. The team consists of three seniors, two juniors, six sophomores and four freshmen. The team replaces a large senior class of six players from last year, including two now playing collegiately.
“I think just kind of filling those shoes and putting the missing puzzle pieces together is going to be a little bit of a challenge,” junior Kylie Cobb said. Cobb tied for the SWOC lead in home runs last season at six.
Davie said that this year’s players bring a wealth of experience.
“Some of the girls have been starters for us since they were freshmen,” Davie said. “A lot of them have played competitively outside of high school ball as well.”
Coaching Staff
With Talawanda’s coaching staff each having their own focus on a particular skill, the players at each position have someone to go to for improvement. Whether they play catcher or in right field, they always have a helping hand by their side. Infield coach John Cobb said that the team’s biggest strength is its versatility.
“I think that we have a lot of girls that are able to play multiple positions, which is extremely helpful as coaches,” Cobb said.
Team Goals
For the past two seasons, Talawanda has totaled 19 wins each year, but this year the team hopes to get over the hump.
“Hitting that 20 win mark is something we all really want,” Cobb said.
Davie acknowledged the history between Talawanda and Harrison, but emphasized the team is focused on other goals as well.
“We want to play our best regardless of who’s in the other dugout,” Davie said. “”It would be absolutely fantastic to win a sectional title and have the opportunity to play beyond sectionals.”
Van Gorden described an identity the team holds going into the season.
“We’re all power,” Van Gorden said. “What’s it called? Intensity.”
The Brave open its 2024 season March 14 at home against Fairfield High School.
