Mankato East Cougar Softball: A Program Poised for Success
When it comes to softball in Southern Minnesota, few teams have the tradition and success of the Mankato East Cougars. Under the guidance of head coach Joe Madson for the past 30 years this season and assisted by Tom Yes who's also got 40 year experience under his belt, the Cougars have been among the best teams in the state and they're looking to continue that success in the upcoming season.
Last year, the Cougars came up just short of a state appearance, falling to cross-town rival Mankato West in the section championship. But this year, with a talented roster and a hunger for success, East is setting its sights on nothing less than a state appearance. Coach Madson has "high expectations - as usual" with his sights on a Big 9 Conference Championship, winning the section, and "making a run at a State Championship. We started the season training in Vero Beach, FL, and hope that gets us off to a good start."
Madson says, "We plan to practice with a purpose, getting our reps in both offensively and defensively. Staying mentally strong and putting ourselves in as many game-like situations as we can."
Every starting position on the team is filled with returning varsity players. The team has a wealth of talent, including seniors Sydney Jacobs, Peyton Stevermer, and Tiegen Richards.
Coach Madson says, "We have quite a few returning key players this season. So. P-Kylinn Stangl was HM All State, All Big 9, All Section & All City. Sr. CF-Sydney Jacobs and Sr. SS-Peyton Stevermer were All Big 9, All Section, & All City. We also return Most Improved player in 1b/P Hailey Petzel; Best Def Player Jr C-Destiny Reasner; Newcomer of the year Fr. OF- Emily Hacker. We also return starters So. Madie Beaty, Fr. Carlie Wendinger, and utility players Sr. Tiegen Richards, Sr. Megan Opie, So. Jayda Swalve, and Fr. Ella Hudspeth."
"We're excited to see what our freshmen, Emily Hacker and Carlie Wendinger, can do. They have gotten stronger and more experienced. But really, all our players have the opportunity to have great seasons - it’s about being mentally strong and having your confidence going at the right time." We have a tough schedule, and we need to stay healthy since we don’t have backups at every spot with this crew." said Coach Madson."
Coach Madson sees the teams toughest challengers facing the team in the Big 9 as Winona and Mankato West. "Winona and West are the two that stand out. Winona returns the most from last year, and West is the defending state champs." Said Madson.
Jacobs, who plays center field and leads off the batting order, will be playing softball for Bethany Lutheran College next year. She's a key part of the Cougars' success, both on and off the field. "Softball is my passion, and being part of this team has been an amazing experience," says Jacobs.
Another standout player for the Cougars is sophomore pitcher Kylian Stangl. Stangl was dominant in the circle last year, recording 116 strikeouts and a record of 9-2. But she's also a force at the plate, batting over .400 and hitting nine home runs. Coach Madson, "Kylinn Stangl already had her breakout year, but as our #1 pitcher now, she has a chance to really springboard to that next level." Stangl's talent has caught the eye of college scouts across the country, and she's considered one of the top recruiting prospects in the state.
But the Cougars' success is about more than just their talented players. The local softball community, including the Mankato Peppers, has been instrumental in promoting the sport and helping develop players. And this year, a new high-level team, Portolite Peppers National, has been created in partnership with 24/7 Ball Sports facility in Mankato. Four Mankato East players, Mady Beaty, Jayda Swalve, Carlie Wendinger, and Emily Hacker have joined the local team, which is focused on a tough schedule and college recruiting.
The Cougars' season is just getting kicked off and you can catch all the games, home and away live-streamed by 24/7 Ball Sports Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCboV1p-B4gKfHLIBum-ThMg .
All in all, Mankato East Cougar Softball is a program poised for success. With a talented roster, a dedicated coaching staff, and a supportive community, the Cougars are looking to make their mark on the Southern Minnesota softball in the upcoming season.
