After an eight year break, Coach Kim Goettl is back to lead the Orioles. Playing for Stout as Kim Caswell from 2001 to 2004 after attending school at Stanley-Boyd, she looks forward to working with the Orioles.
Goettl shared her philosophy on youth sports and their impact.
“Youth sports have so many amazing life lessons if we let ourselves recognize them,” she said. “Just like everything in life, you reap what you sow. Varsity softball is about commitment, balance, and team. Players only get four short seasons in their life to play at the high school level. Nothing compares to playing with your High School’s team name on your jersey. My hope for the girls is that they commit to work at 100% and focus at 100%. They need to learn to keep a balance in life when adding softball with family, schools, everything else. Team, I expect that team comes before one. This is on the field supporting each other and off the field representing their team.”
As for the 2025 Orioles softball team it has plenty of experience, though down one pitcher.
The team lost senior pitcher Abby Reynolds last year to graduation, while sophomore pitcher Ella Nitz is out for this season due to a knee injury.
Taking the weight in the circle this year in turn will be Freshman pitcher Caitlen Ketterhagen. Also looking to make an impact on the field and bring Senior leadership are Lauren Potaczek and Aaliyah Allard.
Returning athletes include junior catcher Bailey Sikora and third baseman Kelly Lew, both of whom earned Conference recognition in the past. The team is expected to be balanced out with new freshman talent and returning sophomore players.
The conference will again be at the top of their game with Fall Creek returning from their State win last year as well as the consistent play from Thorp and McDonnell. As for strategy, the Orioles are looking to add a wider range of offense threats and be dominate on the bases.
The Orioles start their 2025 season Monday, March 31 at Durand-Arkansaw.