Louisa, Ky. — Coming off the best season in program history the Lawrence Co. High School softball team is ready to make another run to the State Tournament in 2026.
2026 Lawrence Co. Softball Team
Front L to R Madison Nix, Addison Bowen, Brinley Baisden, Baleigh Blackburn, Ella Smith, Taylor Blevins, Braylee Triplett, Jada Patton Emalynn Kitts, Addalyn Woods, Lexi Crum
Back L to R Kimber Stacy, Skyler Horn, Sophie Spillman, Anna Compton, Laila Dolen, Kayla Bragg, Gracie Woods, Aleaha Gillispie
Not Pictured Millie Sammons, Leah Branham
Head Coach Sam Sparks will be in his second season after guiding the Bulldogs to a 26-8 record, 58th District title, a 15th Region tournament championship, and a trip to the KHSAA Final Four before falling to eventual state champion Assumption 7-2 in the semifinals.
2026 Bulldog Seniors
Ella Smith, Taylor Blevins, Braylee Triplett
The Bulldogs have captured the 15th Region two consecutive seasons and won two games at the state tournament in 2025.
Senior Star pitcher Taylor Blevins is back for her final year in the circle for the Bulldogs. She holds several school records and could go down as the best softball player in school history. Outfielder Ella Smith and Utility player Braylee Triplett are also back to provide Senior leadership along with Blevins.
The sophomore class for Lawrence County is loaded with two time 15th Region MVP and state tournament hero Jada Patton, stud shortstop Addalyn Woods, versatile Emalynn Kitts with a bat or glove, and look for Aleaha Gillispie, Lexi Crum, Addison Bowen and Madison Nix to all contribute.
8th Grader Brinley Baisden who came up huge in the Region championship game and also had a good state tournament will be asked to play a bigger role this season after stepping into the lineup mid-season.
The Bulldogs lost three starters to graduation off of last seasons team, First baseman and career hits leader Bree Jones, third baseman Gracie Preece who was hotter than a firecracker the last month of the season and catcher Abby Maynard who was solid all season behind the plate.
The Dawgs will open up the season on Thursday at Home versus 58th District foe Betsy Layne before traveling to Letcher Co. Central on Friday night.
Bulldog Head Coach Sam Sparks
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… I think the big thing heading into my second year was the players know what to expect. Some of them have had three coaches in three years with Kenny Horn, Justin Adkins and myself and all three do things a little different. I didn’t change much because both of those coaches before me were successful. I think the familiarity in my second season will go a long way and seems to be much smoother.”
“ Our Senior class is really good, if Taylor Blevins doesn’t throw another pitch she would still go down has the best pitcher in this program’s history and one of the best in the 15th Region’s history. She has really worked hard for us in the offseason and has been a great captain for us, Ella Smith has a been a team leader for us in the offseason workouts and the early season practices, and Braylee Triplett who is a legacy player for us following her two sisters through the program. All three are pitchers who I would throw against anyone at anytime.”
