Lady Pilots rebuild, reload for 2021 season

March 30, 2021

by Mark Collier

FCHS 2021 SOFTBALL TEAM MEMBERS – Fulton County High School team members for 2021 include, from left, first row, Melanie Madrigal, Kylee Hammond, Brooklyn Chambers, Catarina Barnett, and Kayleigh Perez; second row, Chrislyn Couch, Alexis Smith, JaMya Clay, Jamie’cia McFarland, McKenzie Smith, and Kylee Harrison; and third row, Coach Jade Eakes, Chloe McClure, Jaleeha Smith, LaBreah Crumble, Makaelyn-Brooke Cranik, and Rhiannon Makes. (Photo by Barbara Atwill)

The Fulton County High School Lady Pilots will open up the 2021 season March 29, as they look to improve on a 1-17 season in 2019. The Lady Pilots also look to improve on a 1-7 in First District record. The Lady Pilots’ 2019 season ended in the first round of the First District Tournament to Carlisle County.

Jade Eakes enters her first year as the head coach of the Lady Pilots, but she does have five years experience coaching in the summer league. Currently, she has no assistant coaches.

Coach Eakes will have 17 total players, albeit on the young side, as she will only have four upperclassmen with one junior and three seniors. Also on the team are three seventh graders, one eighth grader, four freshmen, and five sophomores.
When asked who she sees as the one who will take on a leadership role, Eakes responded, “McKenzie Smith. She is always willing to help her team mates at practice.”

Eakes expects Kylee Harrison to be her best pitcher, and Kylee Hammond to be her best hitter. She also expects Kayleigh Perez to be the best infielder, and Brooklyn Chamber the best outfielder.

In regards to who she sees as the toughest opponent on the schedule, she singled out the Hickman County Lady Falcons. “I have yet to experience playing them, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about their team,” she said.

“I feel my biggest assets is the experience for my younger girls that will have several years on this team. Our biggest challenge will be the slumps we will encounter and the girls overcoming them,” Eakes said.

When asked about the goals for this upcoming season, Eakes replied, “My goal for my team this year is for everyone to improve individually and as a team. I plan to accomplish this by always encouraging my girls and helping any way I can.”