Howard County Softball Preview, Part 1: Kokomo High School

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(Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a series of stories outlining the 2025 varsity girls’ softball season, featuring the five Howard County squads.)

Kokomo High School
North Central Conference
Head Coach: Candace Steve
Class: 4A

The Kokomo Lady Kats saw the end of an era with the 2024 season, graduating a host of seniors and long-term varsity starters. Coming back into the 2025 with second-year head coach Candace Steve, filling those cleats is going to be a tall order.

“The loss of our senior leadership from last season hurts, but it also opens the door for different players to step up in that leadership role,” she said. “I know that our upperclassmen can provide guidance for our younger athletes, but we also have a very experienced sophomore class that have been providing wisdom to our freshmen as well.”

Returning varsity team members Kinley Martin (SR/University of Indianapolis), Emma Lees (JR), Lucy Goad (SO), Lanaya Buckner (SO), Ava Federspill (SO), Hattie Tweed (SO), and Brooklyn Smith (JR), and Brooklynn Brock (SR) are complimented by a host of freshmen talent and some new blood in sophomore Satyra Scott.

Steve expects Martin and Lees to lead the team defensively while putting up consistent numbers at the plate.

“Kinley is coming back as a three-year starter, holding down the hot corner,” said Steve. “She is one of the smoothest infielders you’ll see, so expect some big-time defensive plays out of our senior third baseman.

“Emma is coming back as a two-year starter and will spend the majority of her time on the mound and middle infield. She is extremely versatile offensively and a competitor.”

Rounding out the roster of difference-makers for the Kats are Goad, Buckner, and Federspill, all who Steve says she expects will make a difference right away.

“They all play big roles defensively as they fill on-field leadership roles as pitcher/first base, center field, and catcher, respectively. They also round out he power middle of our line-up,” she stated. “Additionally, we have a very talented freshman shortstop in Spencer Martin, who is quickly learning the competitive nature of the varsity game.”

Steve said the team will face some unique challenges, with a tough conference and regular season schedule. She expects the team will be competitive in every game, as one of the early positives of the season is that she has a team that can hit the ball. She expects the girls will put the ball into play and make things happen.

She sees a great deal of resiliency and effort in her young team, with multiple girls playing in positions that are new to them. She said they are embracing the challenge and working hard to learn the intricacies of their new roles.