There is no question that the Cherokee Warriors softball team has made a name for itself. Since the arrival of head coach Tonya Carlisle in 2003, the Warriors have made it to the state sectionals twice and won their first county championship in 50 years.
After a heartbreaking loss to St. Pius X in the state championship game last year, the Warriors are hungry for another chance. The team has been focused on getting back to finish the job. Senior pitcher Abbey Meixel commented on the loss: “It was the worst feeling in the world watching the team you just played have everything you wanted, so now we want that feeling more than ever.”
The Warriors have proven this season that they are determined to get back to the state championship game. After winning their second county championship in school history and securing another state playoff berth, the Warriors will have another chance to try and claim what they so nearly won last season.
According to Carlisle, there are three factors that set this year’s team apart from last year’s: a lot of talented players who are very focused, a solid-hitting lineup, and a pitcher who is pitching at the top of her game.
Two weeks ago the team flexed its muscles and showed everyone that it’s capable of doing so when it swept all its opponents in the Lassiter invitational. The Warriors outscored their opponents 38-1.
“It was truly amazing,” Carlisle said. “We went into the tournament looking to prepare ourselves for region play, and we accomplished just that.”
The Warriors have had two perfect games this season so far against Milton and Marietta. Carlisle feels that much of the team’s success this season has come from its pitching, hitting, senior leadership, and mental approach, but when asked what its weaknesses were, Carlisle stated: “I know every team has a weakness, but I really just can’t think of anything.”
Senior pitcher Abbey Meixel has put an exclamation point on the Warriors’ season this year. Meixel has had two 20-strikeout games, a couple of no-hitters, and several one hitters this year. Carlisle commented on Meixel’s performance this year: “She’s been throwing incredible. She’s a huge part of our success.” Meixel also broke two school records this year. She now holds the record for most career wins at 61 and career strikeouts at over 800.
When asked how she felt about breaking two school records, Meixel commented: “It’s truly amazing and phenomenal because I know the pitcher who previously held them was amazing.” Meixel plans to play softball at Kennesaw State University next year.
As a senior leader of the team, Meixel strives to lead by example on the field, and tries to keep everyone positive in the dugout. Both she and Carlisle agree that the team is confident about heading into the state playoffs. “We all know what we’re capable of doing, but it’s just a matter of everyone doing what they need to,” commented Meixel.
Although the Warriors ultimately have their sights set on a state championship, they have now shifted their focus to defeating Kennesaw Mountain in the Region 5-AAAAA Championship this week. The team has already beaten the Mustangs once, but Carlisle does not want her team to underestimate them.
“They’re [Kennesaw Mountain] a very good team. It’s going to be tough playing a best of three series, but we’re just trying to focus on what we need to be doing. Winning and losing will take care of itself.”
Regardless of how the season turns out, the Warriors have surely shown that they are a force to be reckoned with. Although some may attribute the turnaround in the program to the arrival of Tonya Carlisle, she on the other hand credits the players for the program’s rise to the top.
“When I came in, I put in a discipline program, but the discipline and hard work put in by the girls has gotten us to where we are today. It’s a reflection of their character.”
All in all, the Warriors have what it takes to get to the state championship game again this year, but as Coach Carlisle has emphasized, their fate lies in their own hands. This experienced team is not only experienced, focused, and talented, but they are also bound to succeed.
Parker can be reached at jparker@scoreatl.com.
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