MUSKOGEE LADY ROUGHERS
Coach: Mark Dicus
15-18

Muskogee enters the 2026 fastpitch season with a young roster, but fifth-year head coach Mark Dicus believes the Lady Roughers have enough experience and talent to make progress. Eight starters return from last year’s 15-18 team, and a promising freshman class will add depth throughout the lineup. With much of the previous season’s group back, Muskogee hopes its returning players can provide stability while the newcomers adjust to varsity competition.

Charlesia Normore will be one of the Lady Roughers’ most important players. The versatile athlete is expected to start at shortstop but can also move to the outfield when needed. Dicus also plans to use her in the pitching circle during the season. Her ability to contribute in several roles gives Muskogee flexibility when setting its defensive alignment.

Normore’s value extends beyond the positions she can play. Dicus considers her one of the team’s strongest leaders and praised the effort she brings each day. With a young roster around her, that consistency will be important as Muskogee works to develop its identity.

Junior Kaleshia Smith will serve as the Lady Roughers’ starting catcher. Smith provides a dependable presence behind the plate and possesses the arm strength needed to limit opponents on the bases. She is also expected to be one of Muskogee’s leading hitters, giving the team an experienced player in a key defensive position and another reliable option in the batting order.

Lydia Stansill returns to center field after starting as a freshman. Dicus described her as possibly the fastest player on the team, and that speed should help her both defensively and on the bases. Stansill also brings strong offensive ability and the potential to create pressure whenever she reaches base.

The Lady Roughers will still have plenty to learn as several younger players take on larger responsibilities, but they will not begin the season without experience. Returning eight starters gives Muskogee a solid foundation, while the incoming freshmen provide additional talent for both the present and the future.

Dicus believes the program is moving in the right direction. With Normore, Smith and Stansill leading an experienced returning group, the Lady Roughers have an opportunity to improve on last season while continuing to build a promising young roster.

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