Polson Softball aims for State in 2025

Expectations and Polson Softball go hand in hand. With plenty of state hardware in the trophy case, they added a third-place finish in last year’s campaign.

Head Coach Jami Hanson believes the Lady Pirates are poised to make another strong run toward a state championship this spring.

“We finished third last year, and I felt we were right there – it could have gone either way,” Hanson reflected. "We lost late in the game against Billings Central and made a few mistakes that cost us, but overall, it was a great season."

Entering this spring, Hanson maintains a clear vision for the team.

"Our goal every season is to be contending for a state championship,” he said. “We need to continue to do the little things to put us in the hunt to be in the chipper."

Polson returns a core of experienced athletes, highlighted by a strong senior class featuring Sam Rensvold, Olivia Jore, Liz Cunningham, Jaja Nichols, Sierra Perez, and Aaliyah Adams. Joining them is the team's lone junior, Emma Smith, whose experience and leadership will also be pivotal to the Pirates' success.

The returning sophomores – Natalie (Opal) Nash, Madison Turner, Ahri Rushing, JJ Pierre, Aleysia Black, and McKenna Corley – bring additional depth to the squad.

“We have a very talented freshman group rounding out the season with opportunities to contribute as well,” Hanson said.

Offensively, the Lady Pirates look strong and balanced.

"I feel our strengths will be our ability to take extra bases, putting the ball in play, and very strong pitching with strength up the middle," Hanson said.

Speed and aggressive baserunning are things Hanson knows about after years coaching the Mission Valley Mariners baseball team. Big leads off the bases and turning a baserunner on first into someone in scoring position is something Hanson worked on with his teams.

In softball, where the pace is faster and the baserunning is even more key, the Lady Pirates will have their sails set.

Pitching and defense, always critical elements for any championship-caliber softball team, are areas of strength for the Lady Pirates as well. With experienced pitchers and reliable defense up the middle, Polson should be able to maintain control in tight games, a factor that often proves decisive in postseason matchups.

Hanson anticipates significant challenges within a highly competitive Class A softball division, especially in the Northwest A Conference.

"The West will be strong as always, and it will be very competitive with many strong Class A softball teams," he said.

Polson has been a strong power for many years, and this year and this season’s conference schedule litmus test will be vital in the quest for another state title.