Madison High School Softball Teams Gear Up for 2026 Season

Four local squads look to make their mark on the diamond this year

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The high school softball season is underway in Madison, Alabama, as the four local teams - Bob Jones, James Clemens, Sparkman, and Madison Academy - prepare for an exciting 2026 campaign. Each squad has its own unique strengths and storylines, from rebuilding efforts to returning All-State talent, setting the stage for what could be a very competitive year of play on the softball diamonds.

Why it matters

High school sports are a source of community pride in Madison, and the softball season is a highly anticipated annual event. The success of these teams can have a significant impact on school spirit, student engagement, and the overall vibrancy of the local sports landscape.

The details

Bob Jones is rebuilding after an 8-32 record in 2025, but is led by a strong pitcher-catcher duo in juniors Carson Horton and Ryleigh Heddy. James Clemens, on the other hand, returns 10 varsity players from last year's 18-26-2 squad, including standout sophomore pitcher Preslee Etheridge. Sparkman is looking to fill the gaps left by the graduation of two All-State seniors, but still boasts junior shortstop and pitcher Bella Mayfield, a top-10 player in Class 7A. Madison Academy faces a unique transition, as legendary coach Dean Clark retired after 27 years, but the Mustangs return a talented roster led by senior pitcher and slugger Cat Schreiber.

  • The 2026 high school softball season is now underway in Madison, Alabama.

The players

Braeden Netherton

Head coach of the Bob Jones softball program.

Bradley Kimbrough

Head coach of the James Clemens softball team, in his fifth year.

Macie Morris

Third-year head coach of the Sparkman Lady Senators.

Alyssa Walker

First-year head coach of the Madison Academy softball team, previously an assistant under the retired Dean Clark.

Cat Schreiber

Senior pitcher and slugger for Madison Academy, a three-time First Team All-State selection and UAB commit.

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What they’re saying

“The talent, drive and dedication my players show every day prove their willingness to do whatever it takes to grow the program and help continue the tradition of success.”

— Braeden Netherton, Head coach, Bob Jones softball (The Madison Record)

“We had a great off-season and look forward to this season with the most wonderful group of girls. They are talented. They work hard. They are great people. The sky is the limit for this group if they commit themselves.”

— Bradley Kimbrough, Head coach, James Clemens softball (The Madison Record)

“Bella is ranked in the top 10 in Class 7A among her offensive and defensive statistics. She is our starting shortstop, but will see some action within the circle as well.”

— Macie Morris, Head coach, Sparkman softball (The Madison Record)

“I am super excited about this season as our players have put in the work during all of the off-season and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together on the field this spring. We have a young team, but I have confidence that our girls will bring the energy and grit to the field and overall do their best. Plus, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to coach these girls at Madison Academy.”

— Alyssa Walker, Head coach, Madison Academy softball (The Madison Record)

What’s next

The high school softball season in Madison will continue through the spring, with key matchups, tournament play, and the state championship tournament all on the horizon.

The takeaway

The 2026 high school softball season in Madison promises to be an exciting one, with each of the four local teams bringing unique strengths and storylines to the diamond. From rebuilding efforts to returning All-State talent, the competition is sure to be fierce as these squads vie for success and a chance to represent their schools and community.