WCMS Warriorettes Begin 2026 Season with New Lineup

The White County Middle School Warriorettes softball team enters the 2026 season with a fresh roster, renewed determination, and the same championship expectations that have defined the program for the last several years. Despite losing eight starters from last year’s impressive squad—a team that went 23 and 4, claimed the district title, and reached the sectional finals—Head Coach Gregg Segraves says the standard has not changed.

Now entering his third year at the helm of the Warriorettes, Segraves will lead a staff that includes Assistant Coach Robert McDonald, returning for his second year, and first-year assistant Hannah O’Shields, who brings five years of coaching experience at both the high to develop the infield, McDonald will focus on both the development of outfielders and the hitting of the entire team. O’Shields will work with the pitchers and catchers.

The Warriorettes return only two starters with varsity experience, Addi Finley and Bianca Villano, both described by Segraves as strong leaders who will anchor a young group.

“We lost eight starters, but I believe this will be a good hitting team and with hard work will have a chance to compete for another championship,” he said. “We will strive to outwork our opponents each and every practice.”

A core group of eighth graders—Bella Rosell-Diaz, Sophia Austin, Carli Goines, and Josslyn Wright—are expected to step into significant roles. The staff is also excited about the addition of move-in Paizlee Taylor, who Segraves projected to contribute immediately.

While last season’s ace, Annie Burrier, could consistently go the distance, this year’s approach in the circle will be a team effort. A combination of Kambri Tayes, Bella Madden, Izzy Sherman, and Paizlee Taylor will be asked to carry the load collectively on the mound. Younger players Dreu Segraves and Kinsley Randall, both seventh graders, are also expected to help shape the roster’s depth.

According to Segraves, the biggest challenge will be molding the lineup into a unified group focused on team success rather than individual numbers. Still, he is confident in their trajectory.

“I believe they will get better and better as the season goes on with hard work and dedication,” he said confidently.

Despite the youth and the turnover, Segraves' goals remain unchanged for the Warriorettes: regular season champions, district tournament champions. state champions

Warriorette fans won’t have to wait long to see how quickly this new-look squad comes together. They are hosting the Glen “Buckshot” Sims Playday this weekend and will officially open the season on February 23.

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