Lutheran West is optimistic about its potential during the 2024 season and for good reason.
The Longhorns return six starters that will form a solid core of veteran players.
“Heading into the 2024 season, we are poised to have a fun season,” said Lutheran West coach Amy Sullivan. “With our returning players, we have a core group of girls that has grown together and developed a super strong bond. Our freshmen have been an unexpected surprise; we have three who are fighting their way into the starting lineup. They have brought a competitiveness that matches our seniors. It is really exciting to watch them grow.”
Three of Lutheran West’s returning starters earned All-Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division honors last spring.
With an influx of new talent, Coach Sullivan believes the Longhorns are positioned for success this spring.
“We expect to compete in all our games,” she said. “Our biggest challenge will be our inexperience. We have some girls with little to no varsity experience and playing at that level can be a huge shock. We will have to rely on our returners to guide them through.”
Senior pitcher Leslie Sullivan, a first-team All-CVC performer last spring and a state qualifier for the Longhorns’ girls’ wrestling team, will play a key role in Lutheran West’s success. She will play collegiately at Oberlin College.
“Leslie Sullivan will be the anchor of this team,” Coach Sullivan said. “She is a fierce competitor who is all gas and no brakes. We look for her to have a huge senior season. There are a number of school records that are obtainable for her.”
Senior center fielder Larissa Sullivan was a second-team All-CVC performer as a junior.
“Larissa Sullivan has played every position on the field except catcher,” Coach Sullivan said. “She can, and will, move wherever the team needs her most. We expect to build off her success from last year and have a great senior season.”
Sophomore catcher Emma Hayes returns after earning honorable mention all-conference honors as a freshman.
“She is showing huge growth in her offense and is hitting the ball hard,” Coach Sullivan said. “I am excited to see her continue to grow as a player and leader.”
Senior Kellie Kashubeck (first base), sophomores Nina Marti (shortstop) and Peyton Steinbrenner (left field), and freshmen Leah Miller (second base) and Kennedy Hughes (third base) round out the projected starting lineup.
“Kennedy Hughes and Leah Miller are freshmen that have really surprised us this spring,” Coach Sullivan said. “Leah attended every offseason workout and has improved immensely. She is really opening up and becoming more vocal on the field. Kennedy brings a competitiveness that is really special. She will step into any position and give it her all. She is super coachable and is showing huge improvements.”
Senior Alexia Martir and junior Gabriella List will compete for innings in right field.
“Our team strength is the bond they share,” Coach Sullivan said. “They are unbelievably close and have a great time together. Aside from that, our pitching is strong, and our offense is looking great.”
