(Underwood, IA) — It is not fair to say that Underwood softball was dominated by just one player this season — but Mary Stephens stood out more than most. The Senior shortstop was a first team all-stater hitting .519 with 16 RBI and had 48 stolen bases in 50 attempts. She was also a plus defender and a leader and Head Coach Jeff Martinez says this was her season to shine
For Underwood to improve on their 9-23 season that included a playoff victory, the development of the Eagles players must be accelerated. In the circle, Alissa Fischer also graduated so it will come down to two 8th graders Lillie Robertson and Brooklyn Drake. Overall, Underwood does not have any juniors or sophomores on the 2025 roster so Martinez will have a team made up of sophomores, freshmen and incoming 8th graders next year
Two players have stood out — 8th grader Kayley Ambrose hit .321 and led the team with 24 RBI plus had 20 stolen bases plus Freshman Lilli McHenry batted .232 but had 23 RBI and Martinez expects big things from those two
Underwood started four 8th graders this year — Ambrose, Drake, Stella Wiech, and Robertson plus three freshmen — McHenry, Isabella Buckholdt, and Adrian Trede.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Jeff Martinez
