The Chandler Lady Lions enter the 2025 season with high expectations following a remarkable 35-6 campaign in 2024. Under the steady leadership of longtime head coach Bryan Herring, now in his 17th year at the helm, the program continues to establish itself as one of the premier contenders in the state.
The strength of this year’s team begins in the circle, where senior ace and Oklahoma State commit Kennedy Allen returns to lead the pitching staff. A dominant force with more than 600 career strikeouts and a career batting average above .400, Allen not only sets the tone with her arm but also with her leadership on and off the field. A 4.0 student, she embodies the balance of academic and athletic excellence that has become the standard in Chandler softball. Supporting her in the circle will be promising sophomore Georgia Hulsey and freshman Madison Herring, giving the Lady Lions a deep and talented pitching rotation.
Behind the plate, senior Ruthie Capps brings experience and toughness as the team’s returning catcher. Her twin sister, Rylee, provides steady play in right field, giving Chandler proven leaders in the outfield and a defensive core that returns several key starters. Their leadership will be critical in guiding the underclassmen and maintaining the program’s championship-caliber standard.
Offensively, the Lady Lions feature a balanced attack highlighted by speed and power. Veterans Gentry Garner, Brenlee Corea, and Blaklei Smith each recorded double-digit stolen bases a year ago, creating havoc on the basepaths. The lineup also gains a major boost from newcomer Halle Herrmann, a freshman infielder with tremendous power at the plate. She will be joined by her cousin, Elli Hilgenfeld, who brings elite speed and a strong bat while taking over as the anchor in center field. Together, they add fresh firepower and athleticism to an already loaded roster.
With a mix of proven veterans, emerging young talent, and one of the state’s top pitchers, the Lady Lions are poised for another deep postseason run. Coach Herring believes this group has the right blend of leadership, work ethic, and competitiveness to keep Chandler among the state’s elite in 2025.
