Softball preview: Saginaw team embraces Richland transfer
For the past decade, softball was the only thing Kenzie Wilson knew.
But she almost gave up on high school softball after making complaints that led to Richland coach Brenda Jacobson being reprimanded by Birdville school district officials for “inappropriate communication,” according to Star-Telegram reports in July.
Jacobson “may have made inappropriate comments to students based on race or skin color,” an April letter from the school to Jacobson concluded.
“There was a point that I wanted to stop playing high school softball altogether,” Wilson said. “I saw no matter what, it was never going to be fair for me at Richland to play softball and that’s when I decided to just quit and just play select with my club team.”
Jay Jones is listed as the 2016 Richland softball coach on the school’s Birdville ISD website.
Wilson continued to play in the summer with the Texas Glory, with her dad, Kenneth, who was one of the coaches. That opportunity allowed her to visit Stephen F. Austin State, where she committed in the fall.
There was a point that I wanted to stop playing high school softball all together.
Kenzie Wilson
about the situation at Richland“My parents have really helped me through this process and have been there through the whole thing,” she said.
Wilson revised her UIL softball plans when she transferred to Saginaw to play for longtime coach Hank Fulkerson.
“Saginaw was a good decision because I already knew some people there and felt like I would be welcomed there. I didn’t know much about their team, but at that point I just wanted a fresh start,” Wilson said. “I didn’t care if the team was good or bad, I’m just glad it ended up being Saginaw because coach Fulkerson and my teammates are outstanding.”
Fulkerson welcomed the newcomer and commended Wilson for enduring a tough situation.
“Timing was great. Kenzie fits the mold and whatever she does, it helps the team,” Fulkerson added. “That other stuff is all in the past, and she’s already made lots of friends here and doing well for our team.”
I didn’t care if the team was good or bad, I’m just glad it ended up being Saginaw because coach Fulkerson and my teammates are outstanding.
Saginaw player Kenzie Wilson
The junior will play a vital part in Saginaw’s success this season. Wilson can play multiple positions, including middle infielder and outfield, which has excited teammates Kaitlyn Huseman and Kayla Holubek.
“Finding out that Kenzie was coming to Saginaw, it made the team excited to have another great softball player come through our program. She is family and it feels like she has always been with us,” Huseman said.
“The girls and I were pretty excited to know she was coming. As Kenzie being the newest addition to the team, we felt more confident knowing that we’re going to have a great season,” Holubek added.
Saginaw, which has made the postseason three straight years, has been hit with the injury bug early. Wilson and others will have to step up in District 5-5A.
“We have three tournaments this year just because we’re young. We lost just two seniors,” Fulkerson said. “With our injuries, the biggest goals are figuring out who our pitchers will be and finding out our best defensive lineup.”
“We have great student-athletes ... we’re going to play with class. We’re going to do things right, play softball the right way and be competitive.”
Teams to watch
Aledo (23-1): Three state tournaments and two state titles, but a new era arrives in Aledo with eight starters having graduated and a new coach in Heather Oakes.
Arlington Martin (24-8): The Warriors had their best playoff run last season to the regional semifinals. District 4-6A Pitcher and Catcher of the Year honorees return.
Azle (31-6): Back-to-back regional finals against Aledo. Strong again this season.
Keller (26-6): Regional finalist lost four seniors, including star shortstop Kaitlyn Alderink, but Mikayla McClasky should shoulder that load.
Keller Timber Creek (15-7): Led by senior shortstop Avery Grimes and senior pitcher Kylee Foster. Second baseman Madyson Lohman is the reigning district Defensive MVP.
Mansfield (21-6): Star Telegram Newcomer of the Year Paxton Scheurer is back and could be the best pitcher in District 8-6A.
Mansfield Legacy (19-7): Coach Amie Prater has another good group this season, which includes four pitchers. Shortstop Meagan Dake should lead the team in runs and steals.
White Settlement Brewer (16-7): The Bears lost to Aledo in area. Bailey Turner is the go-to pitcher, and Danelle Day is a candidate for 5-5A’s top catcher.
Returning 2015 super team
Caroline Adair, Sr., FW Paschal: Had a .576 average, .953 slugging percentage, seven triples, 29 RBIs and 29 runs scored.
Sam Bradley, Sr., Azle: Reigning Player of the Year headlines the Hornets. Went 17-2 with 13 home runs and 60 RBIs overall for regional finalist.
Mariah Denson, Sr. Mansfield Timberview: The 14-5A MVP hit .545 with 20 RBIs, and had 181 strikeouts and 0.73 ERA in 13 regular-season games.
Cynthia Haugh, Sr., Grapevine: District 6-5A Catcher of the Year led Mustangs with .569 average, 40 RBIs, five home runs, six triples and 33 hits.
Shannon Rhodes, Sr., Brewer: 5-5A MVP had career-high .587 batting average with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs and 35 runs..
Kaylee Rogers, Sr., Keller: District 5-6A Pitcher of the Year had 14-2 record in 20 regular-season games. All-state selection was 24-4 overall for regional finalist.
Reagan Wright, Sr., Mansfield Legacy: Batted .515 with five home runs, 15 doubles, 29 RBI and 39 runs. District 14-5A Defensive Player of the Year.
Calie Burris, Jr., Birdville: District 6-5A MVP went 12-2 for district champ Hawks. Also hit .564 and drove in 30 runs in regular season.
Patricia Loredo, Jr., FW South Hills: District 7-5A MVP went 14-5 with 0.85 ERA and 225 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings. Batted .792 and slugged 1.188 with 20 RBIs.
Abby Haugh, Soph., Grapevine: Hit .468 and was second on the Mustangs with 35 RBIs and 32 runs.
Jenna Rude, Soph., Arlington Martin: Had 24 RBIs, 34 runs, 16 stolen bases and a .974 fielding percentage.
Paxton Scheurer, Soph., Mansfield: Three home runs, 23 RBIs, 30 runs, and 1.42 ERA and 6-1 record in 44 1/3 innings in regular season.
Abigail Stuart, Soph., Southlake Carroll: District 7-6A Offensive MVP had seven home runs, 31 RBIs and 26 runs.
This story was originally published February 14, 2016 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Softball preview: Saginaw team embraces Richland transfer."