The Central softball team, like all other collegiate athletic programs, had its 2020 spring season cut short due to COVID-19. The Dutch finished the campaign with a 6-1 overall record, and finished as the eight-ranked team in the final NFCA Division III rankings. With a large group of returning players, the Duch are poised for big things in 2021. Three student-athletes will be using their extra season of eligibility, which was granted to all spring athletes in the midst of the pandemic. Centerfielder Sarah Tallman of Pella, first baseman Amanda Sigulas and designated player Kaitlyn Andresen will wear the red-and-white for one more season after having their traditional senior year stripped away. Head Coach George Wares is confident that next year’s team will be one of the best in the nation, and they’ll be a very motivated group after what happened this past spring.

“When you look at the three coming back, plus all the others coming back, it would be surprising if we’re not the conference favorite, it would be surprising if we weren’t ranked in the top 10. I think you’re going to see a team that’s very hungry, very task oriented. Is it going to happen, as far as us winning the whole thing? Who knows, I mean so many things have to happen, but I guarantee you we’re going to be one of the teams people will be talking about that have a chance to win the whole thing.”

A full conversation with Wares can be heard on tonight’s Central College Radio Coaches Corner. Due to high school softball on the air, the program will be streamed at KNIAKRLS.com, beginning at 6:00 p.m.