NORMAN NORTH TIMBERWOLVES

Coach: LAURA COLLINS

18-9

OUTLOOK

Need a reason to check out this year’s T-Wolves? Head coach Laura Collins said the energized 2024 Norman North squad will be “fun to watch,” among other things. “They have an energy all teams should strive for,” Collins said. “They have changed what NN softball looks like. We only graduated four seniors last year and are coming back with a stronger and even more experienced core. We have found power in our bats this off-season and I’m expecting to see more balls clearing the fence from more of our hitters this season.” Pitcher Juliana Linares (Sr.) has started all three years and has led the team to the regional finals every year while leading the Timberwolves in batting average last year. “She is a true competitor who studies the game, pitching/hitting charts, leads by example and has a strong work ethic,” Collins said. “She has a solid moral character and is a great student-athlete.” Fellow senior Marcella Oballa will play first base after she had a solid hitting season in North’s four-hole. Her presence and leadership could not be understated. “She has been the one to watch over the years as she spent countless hours quietly getting better. She listens intently and is eager to learn,” Collins said. “She plays the game the right way and is a supportive teammate. She is who I’m looking to for leadership and dependability. She is an outstanding role model for future T-Wolves. Kennedy Walker (Fr.) is one of those future T-Wolves whose career will fast track as Collins expects her to be “an immediate impact player” in her debut season. “Kennedy shows a huge upside. She is one of the best third basemen in her age group at the highest level of competitive ball,” Collins said. “She has outstanding range, a quick glove, and a strong arm. Her softball IQ is advanced for her age. At the plate, she provides a lot of power with great bat speed and discipline and has become comfortable in her home run trot.” Others, like Carlyn Utley (Jr.), will anchor the team in the clubhouse. “She shows up to work each day and is looking to be on the field in whichever capacity is needed,” Collins said. “She has the potential for tremendous power, and I’m expecting to see more of that regularly this year. Carlyn provides depth at pitcher, catcher, first and outfield.” Collins considers this team the fastest she has coached at Norman North. “We will aggressively look to move baserunners. Our outfield has impressive ground-covering speed and arm strength,” Collins said. “We have a veteran in the circle with Juliana Linares and I will be looking for her to lead from there. Her experience in big games will be a grounding point for this, still young, group. Our goal is and will be to win our last game!”