Chandler enters the 2026 fastpitch softball season with a familiar standard and a roster determined to uphold it.
Head coach Bryan Herring is preparing for his 18th season leading the Lady Lions and his 23rd year in education and coaching. After guiding Chandler to the Class 3A state finals a year ago, Herring believes last season reinforced an important lesson that continues to shape the program.
“Nothing will ever be given to us,” Herring said. “We have to take everything with hard work and dedication to our team and accomplishing our goals.”
That mentality defines this year’s club. Herring describes his team as “100 percent blue collar,” built on effort, speed and quick decision-making. While Chandler graduated three All-State players and an All-Region standout, he believes this group is prepared to embrace larger roles.
Leading the returning lineup is senior shortstop Brenlee Corea, who enters her fourth season as a starter. Herring said her steady approach and ability to stay locked in regardless of the score make her one of the team’s most dependable players.
Sophomore Hope Crews brings game-changing speed to the outfield and is a triple threat from the left side of the plate. Senior outfielder Gentry Garner returns after delivering several clutch performances from the ninth spot in the lineup last season, while junior Elli Hilgenfeld combines track speed with power at the plate.
Sophomore Halle Herrmann provides versatility with the ability to play virtually anywhere on the field, pairing a strong glove with an equally dangerous bat. At first base, senior Blaklei Smith is expected to anchor the middle of the order with a combination of speed and power.
Additional offense could come from sophomore Marlee Buys and junior Autumn Rednour, two hitters Herring expects to produce plenty of RBIs this fall.
In the circle, sophomore Maddie Herring and junior Paige Keeling are expected to split innings throughout the season. Rather than relying on overpowering velocity, both pitchers succeed by mixing movement, spin and location.
Leadership extends beyond statistics. Herring points to Addie Miller as the team’s spiritual leader, praising her unwavering faith, willingness to play wherever needed and commitment to supporting her teammates.
The Lady Lions hope to play the balanced style that has become synonymous with Chandler softball, executing small ball when opportunities arise, applying pressure on the bases and delivering extra-base hits when needed.
Herring said one of the greatest rewards of coaching this group is the bond the players share. They know how to have fun, but they also know when it’s time to compete. That closeness has continued to grow throughout their time together, creating a connection few teams develop.
“Our goals never change,” Herring said.
With another challenging district schedule ahead and high expectations surrounding the program, Chandler believes its trademark work ethic and togetherness will keep the Lady Lions in the hunt for another deep postseason run.
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