The Wayne Lady Bulldogs have a new head coach with a familiar face. Former assistant coach Megan Moreno has taken the reins this season.

“I’m excited and nervous about this season. My expectations are high,” Moreno said.

Her assistant coach is another familiar face – Michal Hylton-Gregg, a 2015 Wayne grad who played softball for the Lady Bulldogs.

“Michal’s a Wayne grad and she’s played softball at all levels. She brings a lot of knowledge to the game and we play off of each other really well.”

Moreno is optimistic about the upcoming season thanks to seven freshmen joining the team, adding depth and experience at several positions.

Kyndall Sparks, Natalie Knobloch, Lexi Pounds, Paislee Taliaferro, Skie Jones, Zoey Smith and Hannah Curtis will all see playing time, according to the coach.

“Natalie has high softball IQ and will see time in the circle and at short stop. She’s a natural leader.

“We’re excited to have Kyndall on the team. We’ve been shallow at catcher for awhile. She has catching experience will have to hold that position down for us.

“And, Skie will be our right fielder. She’ll be solid for us in the outfield,” Moreno said.

The Lady Bulldogs have several returning starters including senior Alyssa Hobson who will bring leadership and be a staple in centerfield.

Four juniors return to add more experience – Taelynn Ringwald (third/shortstop), Audra Watts (left field), Cylie Jones (second) and Addison Clagg (pitcher/utility). 

And, finally, Maddie Moreno is also back. She will see time at several positions including third, some first base and pitcher.

“Maddie had a great freshman season. She held down the circle for us and her experience will be very helpful,” Moreno said.

Moreno believes that this team already has chemistry.

“These girls have bonded together. They played basketball this summer and have had a lot of time to get closer,” she said.

Other strengths the coach noted were increased depth with the addition of seven freshmen and more experience in the circle.

Of course, there will be things the team will have to work on as the season gets going.

“We’re still a work in progress. The team is adjusting to a new coach and my style of coaching.”

And the bats will have to get going.

“We will have to make sure that we are putting the ball in play. They will be improved this season thanks to a variety of hitters – some small ball, some power hitters. And we have more team speed,” Moreno said.

As the season kicks off next week, the team will face some stiff competition and get to compete in a new tournament.

“All the teams in our conference are pretty good. Rush Springs is always good and it’ll be helpful to play them at home.

“And we’ll be playing in the Hall of Fame tournament, getting to face some teams we’ve  never seen before.”

The Lady Bulldogs kick off their 2025 season at Ninnekah on August 11. Their first home game is August 12, hosting Fletcher.