MUSKOGEE ROUGHERS

Coach: MARC DICUS

18-17

OUTLOOK

“We are excited for this group. As coaches we’ve been waiting for this group to come together for a couple of years now.” Those are the words of anticipation from Muskogee head coach Marc Dicus as he discussed the 2024 Roughersoftball team. “We’ve got four returning seniors who are four-year starters to go along with six freshmen that we think will have a huge impact for us so it will be good mixture of young and old,” said Dicus.

Leading the way will be shortstop Jaye Barnoski. “She is a one-of-a-kind player,” said Dicus. “She is heart of our defense and gets us going on offense and creates madness on the bases. We’re excited to see the numbers she puts up this year.” Shay Grissom is another four-year starter for the Roughers. “Shay has played second base the past three years but will move to the outfield this year,” offered Discus. “When we approached her about it, she didn’t hesitate to say she would do whatever she could to make the team better. She’s a great leader and will be a big help with the incoming freshmen.” Sophomore Kyra Rowland will again be in the circle for Muskogee with junior Gabbi Davis at third. “Gabbi is a competitor on the field and in the classroom and makes everyone around her better. As a player or just a good friend, Gabbi is a good one to have around,” said Dicus. Seniors Madison Phillips and Regan Rodriguez will continue to contribute for the Roughers along with junior Lariah Stewart and sophomores Piper Knight, AJ Stewart and JamiahMaxwell, Heading the exciting group of freshmen for Dicus will be Charlesia Normore who will take over at second base, Ja’Keis Gandy, Ayriess Jordan, Cailee Royse, Aspen Thomas and Ke’Lashia Smith. “Ke’Lashia or “Smitty” as we call her, is one we’re going to see big moments from,” exclaimed Dicus. “She will be behind the plate for us and make an immediate impact. She is fast not only on the base paths but in her ability to learn.” Muskogee made it back above the .500 mark last year for only the second time in the past five years and with a solid nucleus back, a growing program and some exciting freshmen, Dicus hopes that trend will continue this year.