GENTRY, AR – After back-to-back trips to the state tournament, expectations are high for the Gentry High School softball team, and for good reason.
Entering his third season at the helm, Coach Shawn Teters has guided the Pioneers to a 36-17 record over the past two years and returns a strong nucleus determined to keep Gentry among the state’s elite. Coach Teters credits his coaching staff and their alignment of coaching values as a key. "In my opinion, I have the best assistant coaches in the state with Coach Lance Nations and now Coach Hannah Neal."
“We expect to win every game. I sure would hope that’s the mindset we bring,” Teters said. “But we also tell our team that we want to stay level. In a conference as talented as ours, it can humble you real quickly. We’re confident, but we know every game is going to be a battle and anything can happen in softball.”
Senior Leadership Sets the Tone
The Pioneers will lean heavily on three seniors who have helped shape the culture of the program: center fielder Alexis Lopez, right fielder Courtney Lawson, and second baseman Iris Still.
“They are amazing people and amazing softball players,” Teters said. “They’ve invested in the program. They’ve earned the right to contribute in meaningful ways, and they’ve helped build our culture.”
Lopez, who has signed to continue her career at Crowder College next season, sets the tone at the top of the lineup as the leadoff hitter. Known for her speed and relentless play in center field, she has a knack for turning well-hit balls into outs.
“She never wants a fly ball to drop,” Teters said. “She’s authentically Lex -- she’s a mentor, she listens, and she plays hard. She’s always going to be herself, and that’s rare at this age.”
Still returns to the field with renewed energy after missing last season with a torn ACL. Healthy and motivated, she anchors second base and provides power in the middle of the lineup.
“She’s really important to this team,” Teters said. “She’s not afraid to be honest when her teammates need it. She cares deeply, and that makes her a great leader. She has been crushing the ball leading up to the season. We're excited to have her back."
Lawson, a three-year catcher, embraced a new challenge this offseason by transitioning to right field to help the team.
“She always puts the team above herself,” Teters said. “Her attitude and work ethic in learning a new position have been outstanding. She is the shining example of what a Lady Pioneer softball player should be.”
A Veteran Battery and Pitching Depth
The Pioneers’ battery features two experienced juniors in pitcher Callie Jordan and catcher Olivia Nations, who are entering their third seasons as varsity starters together.
Teters calls Jordan “one of the most underrated pitchers in the state,” noting her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
“She enjoys the big moments and can consistently make pitches not everyone can,” he said.
Behind the plate, Nations has caught every inning of every varsity game during the past two seasons.
“She brings leadership and skill that not a lot of teams have,” Teters said. “Teams try to steal on her, especially if they don’t know her yet — but she shows them real quickly it’s not smart to challenge her.”
Pitching depth is also a strength, with sophomore Ramsey Andrews and freshman Lynnlee Teague capable of making big impacts in the circle.
Youth Movement Adds Excitement
While senior leadership provides stability, a talented group of underclassmen has created excitement for both this season and the future.
Freshman Lila Partain has earned the starting shortstop role thanks to her athleticism, range, and strong arm.
“She’s super athletic and puts the ball in play offensively,” Teters said. “That will be key for us.”
Freshman Lynnlee Teague has locked down first base after an impressive offseason and is expected to bring power to the middle of the lineup.
“She’s defensively solid and brings a lot of power,” Teters said. “She could hit a lot of home runs in her career here.”
Junior Jamee Kirk provides versatility across the infield and she has been really swinging it this year. Sophomore Ramsey Andrews will also get some action in the infield as well. Sophomore Macie Holzkamper returns to left field after recovering from foot surgery that slowed her last season and looks to have a great year.
Competition in right field between Lawson, sophomore Addie Ann Holland, and junior Abba Tucker reflects what Teters believes defines his program.
“They’re competing for playing time, but there’s no animosity,” he said. “They encourage each other and want each other to succeed. That’s our culture.”
More Than Wins
The Pioneers face what is arguably the toughest conference in 4A, but Teters believes his team is embracing the balance between confidence and humility.
And while postseason success remains a goal, the program’s vision extends far beyond the scoreboard.
“We really don’t define success based on our win-loss record,” Teters said. “When they graduate, I want them to look back and think their softball experience was fun and special. Majority of them won’t play again after high school. If this program prepares them for life after softball, then we’ll be successful.”
With experience, depth, and a strong culture already in place, Gentry’s softball Pioneers are ready for another exciting spring – one built not just on talent, but on leadership, resilience, and pride in wearing the maroon and white.
Lady Pioneer Roster
00 – Lynnlee Teague, Freshman
1 – Tatum McEntire, Freshman
2 – Emily Rabb, Sophomore
3 – Abba Tucker, Junior
4 – Jamee Kirk, Junior
5 – Callie Jordan, Junior
7 – Iris Still, Senior
8 – Olivia Nations, Junior
9 – Abbigail Chapman, Freshman
10 – Chloe Darrin, Freshman
11 – Courtney Lawson, Senior
12 – Paisley Amos, Sophomore
14 – Alyssa Lawson, Junior
15 – Addie Ann Holland, Sophomore
17 – Brooklynn Montague, Senior
21 – Alexis Lopez, Senior
22 – Isabella Earley, Sophomore
23 – Heidi Chamberlain, Sophomore
31 – Afton Coones, Freshman
40 – Kayla Holland, Freshman
42 – Aryana Clark, Sophomore
55 – Macie Holzkamper, Sophomore
99 – Ramsey Andrews, Sophomore
Managers – Addy McGhee, Alli Jones, Kadence Waston, Kaelynn Bradshaw
Coaches – Shawn Teters, Hannah Neal, Lance Nations
Home Varsity Games
· March 4, 4:30 p.m. vs. Greenland
· March 6, 5 p.m. vs. Springdale
· March 10, 5 p.m. vs. Berryville*
· March 17, 5 p.m. vs. Huntsville*
· March 20, 5 p.m. vs. West Fork
· March 30, 5 p.m. vs. Green Forest*
· April 7, 5 p.m. vs. Shiloh*
· April 10, 4:30 p.m. vs. Mansfield
· April 13, 5 p.m. vs. Pea Ridge*
· April 16, 4:30 p.m. vs. Clarksville
· April 21, 5 p.m. vs. Prairie Grove*
· April 23, 5 p.m. vs. Fort Smith Northside
· April 27, 5 p.m. vs. Gravette*
· May 1, 5 p.m. vs Rogers Heritage
· May 7-9 4A North Regionals
*Denotes 4A-1 Conference Game