High school softball: Lots of changes for Falcons

West Rowan softball team faces uncertainty at key positions after losing five starters

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The West Rowan High School softball team is facing significant changes in its 13th season under head coach Jimmy Greene. The Falcons lost five starters, including their ace pitcher Arabelle Shulenburger, and will have to rely on a pitching committee this year. The team also has uncertainty at the catcher position, with two freshmen competing for the starting job. Despite the changes, the Falcons still have some experienced players, including junior shortstop and pitcher Reese Poole, who is a UNC Greensboro commit, and senior outfielder Raney Phelps. The Falcons will need to find new ways to generate offense after losing some power hitters to graduation.

Why it matters

West Rowan has been a perennial contender in the South Piedmont Conference, winning 20 games in each of the last four seasons. The Falcons' ability to reload and remain competitive in the tough conference will be tested this year with the significant roster turnover. The development of the team's young pitchers and catchers will be crucial to the Falcons' success.

The details

The Falcons lost five starters, including four-year starter Arabelle Shulenburger, who was the team's ace pitcher. West Rowan plans to use a pitching committee this season, with Reese Poole and Raney Phelps expected to handle the majority of the innings. Poole hasn't pitched in a few years but was a standout in middle school and Little League. The Falcons' catching duties will be handled by two freshmen, Tinley Summitt and Makynzie Melchor. Poole, a UNC Greensboro commit, is expected to be the team's offensive leader after hitting .477 with 10 home runs as a sophomore. Phelps, a senior, will also be a key contributor at the plate and in the circle.

  • West Rowan won 20 games in each of the last four seasons under head coach Jimmy Greene.
  • Greene is entering his 13th season as the Falcons' head coach.

The players

Jimmy Greene

The head coach of the West Rowan High School softball team, entering his 13th season with a career record of 202-65-1.

Reese Poole

A junior shortstop and pitcher for the West Rowan Falcons, who is a UNC Greensboro commit and hit .477 with 10 home runs as a sophomore.

Raney Phelps

A senior pitcher and outfielder for the West Rowan Falcons, who has a .500 on-base percentage and provides both pitching and offensive production for the team.

Tinley Summitt

A freshman catcher competing for the starting job behind the plate for the West Rowan Falcons.

Makynzie Melchor

A freshman catcher competing for the starting job behind the plate for the West Rowan Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“We lost five starters and that's the most we've ever lost in a season. And you're talking about some four-year starters and some other girls who were three-year starters. But we've still got a good group of girls. We'll compete.”

— Jimmy Greene, Head Coach (Salisbury Post)

“We used four different pitchers in our doubleheader scrimmage with South Iredell. Now that was different for us. But I didn't think we looked half-bad in the circle or in the field.”

— Jimmy Greene, Head Coach (Salisbury Post)

“I don't think we're going to be a team this year that can stand around and wait for a home run. We've got to put the bat on the ball, put it in play, and try to create some chaos on the bases.”

— Jimmy Greene, Head Coach (Salisbury Post)

What’s next

The Falcons will continue to evaluate their pitching options and work on developing their young catchers as they prepare for the start of the season.

The takeaway

Despite the significant roster turnover, the West Rowan Falcons are determined to remain competitive in the tough South Piedmont Conference. The team's ability to adapt to the changes and develop its young talent will be crucial to their success this season.