Building from the Ground Up: Class B Softball Programs Face Roster Challenges

ABERDEEN — The launch of high school softball in South Dakota for the 2023 season ignited enthusiasm among students and schools alike. However, for many, the journey has been more about constructing robust teams than simply chasing victories. At the Class B state softball tournament in Aberdeen, several teams from the Mitchell area—Hanson, Avon, Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy, and McCook Central/Montrose—have spent the last four years laying the groundwork for programs that were non-existent prior to the sport's official sanctioning.

Coaches have faced the demanding task of recruiting players, fostering youth engagement, and managing participation alongside other spring sports. The early seasons centered on introducing athletes to a game many had never played before. Now, as they enter their fourth sanctioned season, the dialogue has shifted toward competitiveness. "The first year there was a ton of excitement because it was a new sport, but now it gets a little hard because you have to split between track, golf, and now softball," explained Kyle Weier, head coach of Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy. "So, practice time gets short sometimes, but when the kids are able to come, they come."

Unlike their Class A and Class AA counterparts, Class B programs often rely on multi-sport athletes to fill rosters. Spring is a hectic time for students, who must juggle commitments to softball, track, golf, FFA, and more. While South Dakota permits participation in multiple sports simultaneously, this can complicate scheduling for both players and coaches. Weier’s team currently boasts a roster of 16 players, which enables athletes to gain experience through both varsity and junior varsity games, but next season will pose new challenges as they will no longer co-op with Marion, leaving them with about 10 returning players.

Despite these hurdles, Weier is optimistic about the evolution of softball in the state. "Competitively, you can tell girls are putting time in it, and the competition is better because the players are getting better," he remarked. The growth has also been evident in the rising significance of junior varsity games, which provide younger players with essential game-time experience that pays off later.

Hanson exemplifies this advancement, entering the state tournament with a robust roster of 22 players, the largest among the Class B qualifiers. This depth allows the Beavers to maintain both varsity and junior varsity teams, fostering healthy competition for playing time. "We have great depth in our junior varsity program, and we also have a great youth recreational program for our young kids in town to compete in," noted head coach Jessi Kampshoff. Their commitment to youth development has contributed to an impressive all-time record of 52-28, with this season standing out at 18-4.

Meanwhile, Avon head coach Paul Kuhlman, initially unfamiliar with softball, has taken proactive steps to build a strong program by surrounding himself with knowledgeable assistants. The Pirates currently have 17 players, enabling significant depth and developmental opportunities. "We are just trying to continue to build enthusiasm at that 8U level, so the girls that we do have, go out for softball and find out what a great opportunity it can be for them," Kuhlman stated, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth programs to sustain participation numbers.