Some things change, and some things remain the same. In Colorado 3A Softball, the Eaton Reds remain a constant. Although the calendar continues to turnover and new faces enter the team, the Reds continue to show dominance similar to last year’s state champion winning side.
The ‘24 Reds are nearly a carbon copy of last year’s Reds. Previous Assistant Coach, Chad Shaw stepped into the role of Head Coach at the beginning of the year and it’s been a smooth transition to say the least.
The Reds are currently 7-0, ranked number one in Colorado, and are nationally ranked number 16 according to MaxPreps.
Luckily for the Reds, the partnership between former long-time head coach Dale Hughes and Shaw built an outstanding program.
At times, Shaw’s “assistant coach” title felt like an “assistant head coach” title, because Hughes and Shaw worked together as one. For some programs, losing a head coach is a death sentence, but for the Reds it’s a continuation of healthy life.
Despite the leadership change, the Reds haven’t missed a beat and their season began on Aug. 20. The Reds hosted Wellington and controlled the diamond, scoring 10 unanswered runs and beginning the season 1-0.
From there the Reds hosted the “Eaton Reds Softball Extravaganza,” on Aug. 23; A two-day tournament where the Reds hosted Meeker, Lamar, Rocky Ford, and Delta. Again the Reds dominated the dirt, outscoring tournament opponents 64-8.
On Aug. 27, the Reds again were victorious, defeating Berthoud 15-4, and On Aug 29. The Reds continued their streak defeating Severance away from home, 13-4.
The Reds moved to 7-0 on the season, outscoring opponents 98-16. The Reds average 14 runs a game, while their opponents average just below 2.5 runs.
The Red’s defense has been impressive so far this year, but not as impressive as their offense. The Reds continue to hit almost everything that moves.
Shaw said, “Hitting-wise, the squad is on point. The three varsity pitchers are getting great experience being in the circle for Eaton softball at that level, and they have been nothing short of outstanding.”
Players such as Bria Foster, (27) Emma Anderson, (27) Kiauna Smith, (25) Zoe Hamilton, (25), and Johanna Galvan (27) among others have had strong performances early on in the season for the Reds. Foster, Galvan and Mckenzie Powell(25) have pitched on the mound well to begin the year with an impressive earned run average(ERA) of 1.53.
Smith and Galvan also lead in home runs, sharing three each. Smith said, “A personal goal I have is to be both a team leader and ranked in 3A for batting average and RBIs, I’m looking forward to creating memories with the girls on and off the field, and I’m going in with the mindset of just leave everything on the field and give my best each game.”
For the Reds, it is much of the same for players who have been coached by Shaw.
Shaw said, “The transition has been smooth in part because I have been an assistant softball coach for the last 18 years, so the players and supporters are very familiar with my coaching philosophy, perspective, and personality. A significant portion of what we work on and focus on was developed by myself, so few items are new to the team. This made the transition seamless.”
This year, it’s about winning state once again, but it’s also about bonding and strengthening the cultural foundation built by Shaw and Hughes.
Galvan said, “We are bonding so well on and off the field, so far we have been nothing but stellar, and I am so excited to see what comes to us this year.”
The Reds currently command 3A softball and will continue to be an elite 3A softball side.
Up next for the Reds is a trip to Patriot League opponents Strasburg on Sept. 5, as they hope to continue their strong start to the season.
To keep updated with Reds Softball and their journey towards another state title, check out EatonRedInk.com weekly.
