Saint Francis High School Fastpitch Softball Season Preview

Alpharetta, GA – After back-to-back postseason appearances and a steady rise in the competitive Georgia fastpitch landscape, Saint Francis High School Softball is gearing up for another breakthrough season. Head Coach Mel Pawlish is leading a young but experienced squad through an offseason built on leadership development, elite individual growth, and rising program momentum. Offseason Focus: Building Young Leaders This offseason, the Knights have zeroed in on developing leadership from within. “Our main focus has been helping our young leaders find their voice,” said Coach Pawlish. “We’ve emphasized communication, confidence, and setting the tone on and off the field. Watching that growth has been special.” Competing on a National Stage While the high school season is on pause, most of the Saint Francis roster is far from idle. Many athletes are competing at the highest club and travel levels, representing national-level teams throughout the summer. These include: Katie Ingram (Class of 2028) – A nationally ranked catcher playing for GA Impact Premier Martin. Shayla Leguin & Adi Rose Pawlish – Now with GA Unity 18A, competing alongside nine Division I commits. Ramsay Striggles – Handling the bulk of pitching and delivering big hits for East Cobb Bullets Perkins. These experiences promise to bring a sharpened edge and battle-tested mentality to the Knights’ fall campaign. Players to Watch: Youthful Core Emerging A powerful group of underclassmen is set to make waves in 2025. Rising juniors Shayla Leguin and Adi Rose Pawlish will provide leadership and production, while rising sophomores Katie Ingram and Ramsay Striggles headline a talented young core. Expect continued development and standout performances from Sammy Harvey, Ansley, and Olivia, who have also been grinding through offseason lessons and training. Strength & Skill Development Player development has been a major point of emphasis, with athletes undergoing: 2x/week weightlifting sessions with the school’s S&C coach Speed & agility training, hitting, pitching, catching, and fielding lessons Individualized fitness routines tailored to positional needs Coaching Focus & Program Goals Coach Pawlish has spent the offseason refining strategies to elevate the team’s in-game maturity and focus, preparing a young roster for high-pressure matchups in Georgia’s toughest softball region. With steady improvement over recent years—including a 17-11 finish in 2024 and a trip to the Sweet 16—the bar continues to rise. Community & Fan Engagement The Knights maintain a strong social presence via their active X (formerly Twitter) account, with support from the school’s Athletic Director and Marketing team. The growing buzz surrounding the program is a testament to their development, consistency, and connection with fans. The Road Ahead: Climbing Higher As the team eyes a deeper playoff run, they know the road won’t be easy. With state champions on the regular-season schedule, each game will test their resolve. But if the offseason commitment is any indication, Saint Francis is ready to level up again.