Jodey Dunn takes over as head softball coach for Jefferson
Jodey Dunn is one of the most recognizable names in Jefferson athletics.
He was the school’s first state champion in wrestling and set a school record that has since been broken by rushing for 353 yards in a football game.
This spring he will be taking on a new role at his alma mater – softball coach.
Dunn replaces Chad Liptow, who he served under as an assistant for the last two years. The two will be trading spots with Liptow serving as an assistant to Dunn.
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“I’ve been coaching with Chad that last couple of years and I’ve been coaching travel softball since my daughter was eight,” Dunn said. “She’s a freshman in college now.”
Liptow and Dunn have been friends since their high school days.
“For me, it is no switch,” Dunn said. “Chad is still here.”
Liptow wanted more freedom to follow his daughter as she plays college softball.
Kristin Rogaliner will join the Bears as an assistant coach.
“She’s probably the future of the program,” Dunn said.
AIRPORT
Coach: Jessica Irwin, seventh year.
2023 record: 22-14-1.
Returning starters: Seniors RaeAnn Drummond (p), Hailey Boitnott (of), Raschel Weaver (of), Danielle Dalpiaz (c-3b); sophomores Emma Wehrs (of), Brenna Baker (ss), Jillian Baker (of), Kennady Kroll (3b), Olivia Tilley (2b-ss), Alayna McDaniel (p-1b), Peyton Zajac (c).
Other players: Junior Bianca Bilyea (3b); sophomore Ciera Boitnott (1b-of); freshman Kendelyn Kozma (1b).
Season outlook: The Jets return 11 girls from last year, but still are young with eight sophomores and a freshman.
Coach’s comments: “We return most of our starting lineup. It is our hope that we can pick up right where we left off. Both of our pitchers have made tremendous strides in the off season and looked good the first couple of weeks of practice. Our defense should be very strong behind them as well.”
BEDFORD
Coach: Marla Gooding, fifth year.
2023 record: 28-12.
Returning starters: Senior Payton Pudlowski (ss); juniors Aubrey Hensley (c); Nyah Mullins (3b), Makayla Johnson (2b) Adrianna Kester (p); sophomores Kaitlyn Kwiatkowski (cf), Ashtyn Batey (lf).
Other players: Junior Torey Destatte (of); sophomores Wryley Danielson (p), Emma Price (u); freshmen Briona Chevrette (1b, of), Brynn Eischen (1b), Paige Bock (p-of), Delaney Kramer (2b-of).
Season outlook: Pudlowski and Hensley both have committed to play college softball at Toledo.
Coach's comments: “I'm excited about this season. We have really strong returners and a lot of young athleticism. As long as we continue to work, we're going to be tough to beat.”
DUNDEE
Coach: Mickey Moody, 12th year.
2023 record: 25-12.
Returning starters: Seniors Kennedy Irwin (ss), Katie Beaufait (cf), Shay VanZandt (rf), Lola Salenbien (3b), Sara Carter (c); juniors Natalie Rath (2b), Kaylee Imo (p-1b), Lauren Doane (p-1b), Kiernan Brown (lf).
Other players: Senior Makenna Havens (of), Kyli Nethery (of); juniors Avery Ball (of), Kendal Karner (c-of), Celeste Hernandez (if-of); freshman Ella Rath (if-of), Lydia Homrich (if-of).
Season outlook: Moody, who pushed his career record to 404-172 last season, expects to have a strong-hitting team this season. Improving the defense will be a key.
Coach’s comments: “We have two solid pitchers with Imo and Doane who have a lot of varsity experience. With class trips and spring break and not being able to have full practices it will be an interesting start to the season.”
ERIE MASON
Coach: Amber Gerber, second year.
2023 record: 4-20.
Returning starters: Senior Abbi England (of); sophomore Raelynn Lay (p-3b), Jayanna Willets (3b-u).
Other players: Audrey Trainor (of), Geneva Bomia (u); junior Elizabeth Lambert (of); freshmen Ava Belair (c), Zoie Stubleski (p-if), Addie Homrich (p-if), Zayla Brown (2b), Rylie Gardner (u), Lily Lee (u), Kensey Kreger (of), Janessa DuPree (u).
Season outlook: The Eagles are a very young team with just three returning starters and eight freshmen on the roster.
Coach’s comments: “We are hungry to improve our game and program. Our team is quick, scrappy, and we are going to show up ready to play every day. … We are athletic, smart, and already working well together.”
FLAT ROCK
Coach: Haylee Simpson, third year.
2023 record: 14-13.
Returning starters: Senior Addy Roussey (c-3b), Maddie Portis (of), McKenna Williams (2b-of), Ryen Clair (p-1b-2b); junior Addi Kopp (ss-c); sophomores Emma Neace (of-p), Avery Mack (1b-3b-p), Jaclynn Motyka (c-2b-of).
Other players: Sophomores Faith Soden (2b-of-c), Layla Holbrook (of-1b), Ashlin Woodman (of); freshmen Sarah Giroux (p-3b-ss), Jaliynah Cerroni (of), Kadence Howell (2b-of), Dominique Montgomery (2b-of), Elizabeth Sparks (2b-of).
Season outlook: The Rams have a lot of experienced returning players. They lost only two to graduation. Kopp was an All-Region selection last season.
Coach’s comments: “I feel like we are stronger on both defense and offense. … We have high expectations for this season. There is a lot of talent in the league and I expect us to be competitive and compete for a Huron League title.”
GIBRALTAR CARLSON
Coach: Jason Gyolai, second year.2023 record: 13-11.
Returning starters: Seniors Ava Auler (3b), Kara Ludy (1b-2b); juniors Addison Butt (p-of), Izzy Salas (ss-c); sophomores Lauren Dunwoody (c), Taylor Konkus (2b-of), Kiley Lewandowski (1b-p), Addison Skinner (p-of).
Other players: Juniors Lacie Emch (of-1b), Avery McAuliffe (of-p), Aryanna Sandusky (2b-3b); sophomore Hailey Sandusky (3b-p); freshman Aubrey Iwasko (of-ss).
Season outlook: Gyolai will be able to put almost the same team on the field as he did in his first season as Carlson’s coach. Eight starters return.
Coach’s comments: “These ladies don't realize how good they are yet. I can't wait to see them come together as we get ready for game action. The sky's the limit for this team.”
IDA
Coach: Chelsea Brancheau, fourth year.
2023 record: 15-22.
Returning starters: Senior Summer Smith (3b), McKenna Tarry (p-if); junior Jessica Schrader (ss), Reese Hennessey (c), Madi McCain (of-p), Kelsey Stein (of), Olivia Scheer (of); Emily Lambert (1b).
Other players: Sophomore Alexa Swiderski (of-if); freshmen Alli Schrader (of-if), Adisyn Swiderski (of-if), Libbie Wolfenbarger (p-of), Karlee Walentowski (p-of).
Season outlook: Last year the Blue Streaks had a lot of games where they gave up leads in the final innings. They will concentrate on closing out those games this season.
Coach’s comments: “This is going to be an exciting team to watch this season. With seven returning starters, and a very talented core of Freshman coming in that are all hungry for playing time our early practices have been very competitive.”
JEFFERSON
Coach: Jodey Dunn, first year.
2023 record: 24-13
Returning starters: Seniors Julia Perry (p-ss-1b), Cameran Carter (ss-p); juniors Lindsey Gennoe (c), Brooke Payment (3b-c); sophomores Alivia LeBrun (2b), Molly Hayford (of).
Other players: Freshmen Mikaela Priester (1b), Shylynn Dunn (of), Macie Duvalle (of), Jasmine Montalou (of-2b), Taryn Stevens (of-c-2b), MaKenzie Knox (1b-p-of), Kaiya Moore (2b-of).
Season outlook: Dunn expects big years from Perry and Carter. Gennoe moves from third base to catcher while Payment taking over at third base.
Coach’s comments: “We are extremely thin. We only had 14 girls try out. One quit and two returners did not come out (one injured and one focusing on volleyball).”
MILAN
Coach: Kirk Davis, fifth year.
2023 record: 17-10.
Returning starters: Seniors Hailey Knox (if), Mariah Stines (p-if), Tierra Ronayne (if), Madison Mazei (of); juniors Cami Heath (of), Leila Daniels (c); sophomores Virginia Heikka (of) Madalyn Spencer (c-u).
Other players: Juniors Bella Kuhn (of), Kamryn Fell; sophomores MacKenzie Chrysler (p-if), Reese Knox (if); freshmen Kendyll Fell (p-of), Georgia Linzell (u).
Season outlook: Pitcher Stines, catcher Daniels and second baseman Hailey Knox all are college recruits. Davis said the key will be putting the ball in play more on offense.
Coach’s comments: "I really like this team. We have depth and a lot of great athletes. They are a lot of fun to be around."
MONROE
Coach: Jim Davis, 10th year.
2023 record: 22-16.
Returning starters: Seniors Alana Aulph (p-ss-2b), Avery Collett (p-ss), Karlee Smithers (c-of); juniors Avery Leach (2b), Ava Proffitt (1b), Maci Willey (cf); sophomores Ava Chapman (3b-ss), Aly Lewis (c).
Other players: Juniors Alexa Haefler (if), Eloisa Reyes (p-u), Alyssa Sroka (of); sophomores Soffia Elmer (of), Olivia McMahon (p-if), Zaylee Richard (of).
Season outlook: The Trojans have eight returning starters, but will have to mix in some talented younger players. Davis said getting the pitchers to throw strikes is a key.
Coach’s comments: “This year’s group has come together pretty quickly. We can really see their personalities and spirit shining through. … In order to be successful, practicing hard and playing hard has to be fun, and so far things have been pretty upbeat.”
NEW BOSTON HURON
Coach: Tedi Belisle, eighth year.
2023 record: 21-8.
Returning starters: Seniors Emma Sic (c), Marissa Jackson (cf), Erin Newman (if), Jenna Kuzara (if); junior Rylie Greggo (p); sophomores Addison Ramsby (if), Ava Ryan (of).
Other players: Senior Briana Scott (u); juniors Corinne Gietzen (1b), Taylor Mitter (u); sophomores Sasha Pender (p-u), Rihanna Sartin (of); freshman Maria Robbins (if-c).
Season outlook: Belisle says this is one of the most talented teams in Huron history. The Chiefs have seven returning starters from a squad that won 21 games last season.
Coach's comments: “Our ceiling is high, probably the highest it’s ever been. It’s a potential history making year; but talent alone will not get us the goals we want. Staying disciplined in our areas of focus is pretty important to us.”
SMCC
Coach: Dani Emery, fifth year.
2023 record: 12-20.
Returning starters: Seniors Faith Dean (p-u), Emma Gessner (u), Sierra Goins (u); juniors Abby Lechy (p-if), Camryn Carns (if), Tori Busen (c-of), Callie Cousino (of); sophomore Maddie Gessner (u).
Other players: Senior Sarah Busen (of); juniors Jada Worrell (if-of), Rachel Boberg (p-if), Marissa West (of); freshmen Olivia Piepsney (p-if), Braelyn Runyon (p-if), Hayley Southerland (if), Hayden Southerland (if), Hannah Williams (c-if).
Season outlook: Emery has coached a lot of young teams during her tenure. This squad appears to be different with eight returning starters to mix with some talented newcomers.
Coach’s comments: “We have a ton of talent and potential throughout our program and I am excited to see them compete. We know that we will face challenges, but if the girls stick together and have fun, I think we will be a competitive team.”
SUMMERFIELD
Coach: Christine Zappone, first year.
2023 record: 14-13-1.
Returning starters: Seniors Ava Fisher (cf), Faith Secor (1b); juniors Mia Miller (3b), Maddy Hephner (c); sophomores Brea Olmstead (p), Mia Samples (ss).
Other players: Seniors Emma Carr (of), Ella Voss (of); junior Brynn Hilderbrand (of); sophomores Lilly Delamotte (2b), Makenzie Wolfe (of); freshmen Olivia Keller (of), Alexa LaRocca (of), Claire Franzen (p), Elena Miller (of), Juliet Keane (ss-3b-of).
Season outlook; Fisher and Secor both hit over .500 last season. The first-year coach Zappone will lean on them for leadership.
Coach's comments: “Our group this year will motivate, inspire and push one another to become successful. It's important that our team remembers that success is a journey, and it's okay to face setbacks along the way. They just need to learn from those setbacks.”
WHITEFORD
Coach: Matt VanBrandt, fourth year.
2023 record: 37-5, state runner-up.
Returning starters: Seniors Unity Nelson (p), Kaydence Sheldon (c), Shaylin Alexander (c-u), Karlei Conard (p-if), Jillian Webb (u); sophomore Koralynn Billau (u).
Other players: Senior Keira Griffith (u); juniors Lily Billau (u), Megan Butz (p-u), Brooklyn Mills (u); sophomores Bailey Spradling (u), Addeson Cousino (c-u); freshmen Ava Stevens (p-u), Avy Wood (u), Laney Pirrone (u).
Season outlook: The Bobcats are eager to take the next step forward after finishing as the state runner-up the last two seasons.Coach’s comments: “They love to compete. Several players will be learning new positions and we will have some growing pains. However, this group is motivated to raise their ceiling and have shown it through their efforts in practice so far.”
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: High School Softball Previews: Coaches switch seats at Jefferson
