Lady Bulldogs Softball Elevate Their Expectations In 2025
Samuel Warren
Herald Staff
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Burgin softball took a massive step forward last season, earning ten wins (one win over DCA was not reported in time), while just a year prior, the Lady Bulldogs earned only two wins. According to the KHSAA, Burgin’s highest number of wins this century is the 11 won by the 2006 squad, and that’s the goal Head Coach Russell Jenkins has for this Lady Bulldogs squad, a record-breaking 12 wins.
Burgin Softball is undergoing some significant renovations to their softball field, including a new backstop and concrete foundation for the new dugouts. The Lady Bulldogs will play at Anderson Dean Park while the renovations are wrapping up. Jenkins hopes to be back on the field in Burgin after spring break, ahead of their Monday, April 14, matchup with Paul Laurence Dunbar.
A strong group of seniors are stepping up to the plate and setting the standard to get their team to a record number of wins. Jemma Jenkins has been playing softball for the Lady Bulldogs since she was in middle school, and as a team leader at the plate and in the circle, she knows it’s up to her to lead the Lady Bulldogs on what could be a historic run.
“Obviously it’s hard being a senior and knowing it’s your last year, and I feel like we’ve all stuck to it and been really positive,” said J. Jenkins of the Lady Bulldog seniors. Taylor Frederick, Ally Crawley-Stewart and Ella Myhre round out the group of senior leaders, who J. Jenkins believes needs to treat every game like it’s their last. “I’m just going to play like every game is my last game. Knowing that it’s coming to an end, and that I need to give it everything I’ve got and leave it all there while I can,” said J. Jenkins.
Burgin senior Jemma Jenkins threw a pitch during a game last spring.
Ashton Lester is expected to have a productive year at the plate.
“Personally, I feel like I’ve been getting some big hits,” said Lester, who’s coach couldn’t agree more. “Lester has been killing the ball this spring, and I can put her anywhere and she never complains, she gets after it and gives a great effort anywhere,” said R. Jenkins. The junior tied a team-high 39 runs last spring and earned an impressive .377 average at the plate. Her effort this spring will have a great impact on the Lady Bulldogs success. “She doesn’t talk much but she’s the heart and soul of the team,” added R. Jenkins.
