Raiders Softball Looks to Build on 2025 Success

South Rowan High School softball team aims to build on last year's 15-8 record and playoff appearance.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The South Rowan High School softball team is looking to build on their successful 2025 season, where they finished 15-8 and made the playoffs for only the third time since transitioning to fast-pitch in the 1990s. Led by second-year head coach Shane Stewart, the Raiders return a strong sophomore battery of pitcher Remington 'Remi' Hagerty and catcher Cressley Patterson, who are expected to give the team an edge over their county rivals East Rowan and West Rowan, both of whom graduated key players. While the Raiders lost three important seniors, they have a solid group of returning players including senior Danica Krieg, a Coker recruit, and junior Leisha Carter, who had a big playoff game last year.

Why it matters

South Rowan's softball program has struggled for success over the past decade, with only sporadic playoff appearances. However, last year's 15-8 record and playoff win showed signs of progress under new head coach Shane Stewart. With the team returning key players and facing rivals who lost significant talent to graduation, this could be the year the Raiders emerge as the top softball team in Rowan County.

The details

In his second year as head coach, Shane Stewart has the Raiders poised to build on their 15-8 record from 2025, which included a playoff win over Southern Guilford. South Rowan returns a strong sophomore battery in lefty pitcher Remington 'Remi' Hagerty and power-hitting catcher Cressley Patterson, who Stewart believes can give the Raiders an edge over their county rivals East Rowan and West Rowan, both of whom graduated standout pitchers and catchers. While the Raiders lost three key seniors, they have a solid group of returning players including senior Danica Krieg, a Coker recruit, and junior Leisha Carter, who had a big playoff game last year.

  • In 2025, South Rowan won its third playoff game since transitioning to fast-pitch softball in the 1990s.
  • Last season (2025), South Rowan finished 15-8 and placed third in the South Piedmont Conference.

The players

Shane Stewart

South Rowan's head coach, entering his second season with a 15-8 record in 2025.

Remington 'Remi' Hagerty

South Rowan's sophomore left-handed pitcher, expected to be a key player for the Raiders this season.

Cressley Patterson

South Rowan's sophomore power-hitting catcher, who will team up with Hagerty to form a strong battery for the Raiders.

Danica Krieg

A senior outfielder and Coker recruit who is a key returning player for South Rowan.

Leisha Carter

A junior who had a big playoff game for South Rowan in 2025 and is expected to be an important player this season.

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What they’re saying

“'Remi and Cressley are good players. They had solid freshmen seasons and they added good travel ball seasons. It's big to have them back at two key positions and now they have more experience.'”

— Shane Stewart, Head Coach (Salisbury Post)

“'On paper, we look pretty good. But we still have to execute when we get on the field.'”

— Shane Stewart, Head Coach (Salisbury Post)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to build on their 2025 success and compete for a conference title and deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

After years of struggling, the South Rowan softball team appears poised to emerge as a top contender in Rowan County and beyond, thanks to the return of a talented sophomore battery and a core of experienced players. If the Raiders can capitalize on their potential, it could mark a new era of success for the program.