Lady Bulldog Coach optimistic with team’s motivation, unity

Benita Fuzzell

Fulton High School’s Lady Bulldogs’ Head Softball Coach Dara McDaniel is about to enter her sophomore appearance in a leadership role for the team, having served as an Assistant Coach for the 2021 season.

This year, she will see a return of familiar faces, along with some fresh ones.

Takyra Taylor, Gracie Sheppard, Elizabeth Pirtle and Madison Bartiums, all seniors will join with juniors LeAndra Randle, Mia Martin and DeLeya Jones, sophomores Asia Patton, Carly Bruner and Katrina Bailey, as well as freshmen Taleah Walker, and eighth grader Tori Hutcherson, to field a Lady Bulldog team with good depth, and a shared desire, according to Coach McDaniel, to “leave their hearts on the field.”

With the exception of Bartiumu, Bruner and Bailey, all other team members played for Fulton High School previously.

“So far, I see my team’s greatest asset being their Intrinsic Motivation. These girls come from all different backgrounds, but have one goal in mind and that is to be the very best versions of themselves. As far as the biggest challenge, I would say experience and lack of quality equipment. Many of these girls do not have access to big facilities or competitive travel teams due to our school city,” McDaniel said.

Two pitchers who have put out a good work ethic for the team are LeAndra Randle and Takyra Taylor.

“They are both working really hard and showing improvement daily,” McDaniel said.

Taylor looks to be the best hitter, and Daleya Jones appears to be able to shine in the defense department, because “she hustles and moves her feet to always get under and behind the ball,” McDaniel said.

She credits Elizabeth Pirtle to be the team’s best base runner.

Mia Martin will be at first base, with Elizabeth Pirtle shifting between short stop and second, as Madison Bartimus also will see time on second base.

At third base, when not pitching, will be Takyra Taylor, and the other team pitcher, LeAndra Randle will also rotate in to third. Asia Patton will fill the role as catcher, with Gracie Sheppard and Daleya Jones in center field, Carly Burner in both left field and right field when needed, Katrina Bailey and Taleah Walker in right field and Tori Hutcherson in left field.

The toughest opponent on the schedule for the 2022 season would be Murray High.
“We have not played them before. We have played Hickman in previous seasons and realize they will also be a big competitor. They have a very strong team overall,” the coach said.

“I would say our rising team leader would be Elizabeth Pirtle because she takes charge when needed, encourages all teammates, and always gives 110% in whatever she does. She also has a positive attitude and well built relationships,” McDaniel added.

The first year head coach wants to see her girls have a positive outlook on the game.

She said her Lady Bulldogs are motivated and determined, but like any other team, it can be hard not always winning a game.

“I would like for my girls to see each game as a learning opportunity to improve as a team and within themselves rather than look at it as another loss. I just want my girls to have the same passion that I had when I was in high school and always to remember to have fun,” Coach McDaniel said.