Thayer Softball Primed for Another Winning Season

Lady Bobcats look to build on last year's 17-5 campaign behind star pitcher McKenzie Morris

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Thayer High School softball team is poised for another strong season, led by standout sophomore pitcher McKenzie Morris. After a fabulous freshman campaign that saw Morris post 7 shutouts, a 2.04 ERA, and 153 strikeouts, the Lady Bobcats are confident she will take another leap forward. Thayer also returns key starters in center fielder Kadyn Hiles and catcher Brett Tharp, giving the team experience up the middle. Coach Denny Young is excited about the team's potential, though they will need to improve their offensive consistency after averaging just 3 runs per game in their 5 losses last season.

Why it matters

Thayer has built a strong softball program in recent years, winning 17 games last season and reaching the district championship game. The Lady Bobcats will look to continue that success and compete for a conference title and deep playoff run, led by their talented young pitcher Morris and a veteran supporting cast.

The details

Morris, the South Central Association Player of the Year as a freshman, has continued to work hard in the offseason, attending camps and showcases to further develop her skills. Coach Young expects her to be even better this season. The Lady Bobcats also return starters at key positions like center field (Hiles) and catcher (Tharp), providing leadership and experience up the middle. The infield will have some new faces after the graduation of four-year starting shortstop Ashlee Jackson, but Young is excited about the competition for those roles with players like Savannah Jackson, Hattie Haynes, and others vying for starting spots.

  • McKenzie Morris posted 7 shutouts, a 2.04 ERA, and 153 strikeouts as a freshman in 2025.
  • Thayer finished the 2025 season with a 17-5 record, winning 9 straight games before losing to Ava in the district championship.

The players

McKenzie Morris

The standout sophomore pitcher who was the South Central Association Player of the Year as a freshman, posting 7 shutouts, a 2.04 ERA, and 153 strikeouts.

Kadyn Hiles

The returning starting center fielder who was an All-SCA Second-Team selection last season.

Brett Tharp

The returning starting catcher who received All-SCA honorable mention recognition last year.

Savannah Jackson

The infielder who has started at second base the last two seasons and is expected to be a leader of the infield this year.

Denny Young

The Thayer head coach who is excited about the team's potential and expects big things from Morris in her sophomore season.

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What they’re saying

“We look for even bigger things from her this year. She is constantly working to improve both as a pitcher and hitter.”

— Denny Young, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“As far as what I look for from Hilles, the sky is the limit. She is a great athlete who can do great things defensively and offensively for us. I really dread for her to graduate.”

— Denny Young, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“If we can stay healthy and continue improving, I think we will have a chance to build on the last couple years. This is a special group and a lot of fun to coach.”

— Denny Young, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

What’s next

Thayer will look to defend their title at the Cabool Classic tournament and avenge their two losses to rival Ava from last season.

The takeaway

Thayer softball has built a consistent winner, and with star pitcher McKenzie Morris leading the way, the Lady Bobcats are poised for another strong campaign as they aim to capture a conference title and make a deep playoff run.