The Hopkinsville High School Lady Tigers’ softball program already has one huge victory before the 2026 season even started. They are fielding a team.
The Lady Tigers could not generate enough interest to field a team in 2025 after finishing 2024 at 0-17.
An all-call went out last fall and the school hired veteran coach Wayne Holloway to guide the young and inexperienced squad in its final year of existence before consolidating next spring with Christian County.
Holloway said it has been a challenge building a varsity team after missing last season.
Only one player from the 2024 team is on this year’s squad with senior Jaleigha McFarland handling the pitching duties. She also will play some at first base and at catcher.
Sophomore Bailey Ladson also will pitch this season for Hopkinsville.
Holloway also points to freshman Amelia Lockhart as a key contributor this season. Lockhart, who transferred to Hopkinsville from New York, is expected to play some at third base and handle some catching duties as well.
Zoey Thomas (SS/OF) also expected to bolster the Lady Tigers’ lineup.
The Lady Tigers will be part of a three-team District 8, which will include Christian County and Fort Campbell. Heritage Christian Academy and University Heights Academy did not field varsity softball teams this spring.
Holloway previously coached the Lady Tigers’ softball program from 2012-17. He said he built a schedule for an inexperienced team.
The Lady Tigers open their season Tuesday afternoon at Christian County in a District 8 game.
2026 Hopkinsville Lady Tigers
Coach: Anthony “Wayne” Holloway (7th Year)
2025 Record: None
Key Returning Players: Jaleigha McFarland (P/C/1B)
Key Losses: N/A
Key Newcomers: Bailey Ladson (P), Amelia Lockhart (3B/C), Zoey Thomas (SS/OF).
Outlook: “We just want to play with heart,” Head Coach Wayne Holloway said. “Always give your best as we are a very young team. I understand mistakes are going to happen and we just need to learn from them. Mistakes mean you are continuing to grow. I want the girls to play as a team and leave it all on the field. I want the last year of HHS softball to be positive.”
Projected Starting Lineup: P – Bailey Ladson; C – Jaleigha McFarland; 1B – Liz Smith; 2B – Zariona Bussell; 3B – Amelia Lockhart; SS – Zoey Thomas; LF – Bella Gabriel; CF – Liz Carlson; RF – Bailey Wiley
Photos by Joe Wilson
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