Brook Gray

The Paden City Wildcats softball team is gearing up for an emotional and determined 2025 season – the program’s last. Under the guidance of head coach Josh Fulks and assistant coach Josh Billiter, the Wildcats are focused on making their final campaign one to remember.

The Lady Cats will rely on experience and leadership, with seven returning players from last year’s squad, including six seniors who have been with the program since their freshman year. Out for the first year are two other seniors, Rrita Dani and Brook Gray. Their chemistry and familiarity with the game will be key assets as they chase success in their final season.

The team has set 3 clear goals for the 2025 season: finishing as one of the top four teams in the OVAC, learning and growing from each game, and securing a winning record.

“I’ve coached all six of our seniors since they were freshmen, and they all know my expectations,” Coach Fulks said. “As far as the juniors and freshmen go, we feel as coaches that the seniors will help guide the team.”

The Wildcats will also rely on two freshmen this season, both of whom are expected to contribute significantly from the pitching circle. “We’re going to be counting on both of them for pitching this year,” Fulks noted.

Following a recent scrimmage against Valley, Coach Fulks was encouraged by his team’s performance. “We had a lot of positives in the scrimmage,” he said. “I felt like we had a decent infield and a strong outfield.”

Paden City will open the season on the road at Ritchie County on March 19 before hosting their home opener on March 21. With a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent, the Wildcats are determined to make their final season one to remember.