Head Coach: Brent Berge (new)
Where We Left Off in 2023: Chatfield went 10-4 in the TRC and 13-6 overall last year. They got bounced by Caledonia 4-0 in the 1AA East quarterfinals.
Seniors: Kieran Schmaltz (RF), Braelee Horsman (3B), Alexis Hinckley (C).
Juniors: Brittin Ruskell (2B), Kendall Knutson (LF), Katryn Johnson (P/SS), Anna Bernau (OF).
Key Returning Underclassmen: Makenna Dornack (Fr. SS/C).
Outlook: Chatfield went from state champion in 2022 to first round exit last year. They graduated two of three All-TRC picks in Claire Springer (P > 103 1/3 IP, 12-6 record, 15 BBs, 136 Ks, 2.10 ERA, .417 average, 17 RBI, 19 R) and Kara Goetzinger (CF > .270 average, 12 RBI, 22 R). Springer was the state title team pitcher. She was All-State 2nd team last year. Four-year starter, three-time All-TRC selection Alexis Hinckley (1B > .411 average, 7 RBI, 12 R) is one key returnee. Makenna Dornack (.400 average, five 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R), last year’s team leader in RBIs and runs, is a second big bat. She was All-TRC HM. Brittin Ruskell (.315 average, 16 RBI, 14 R), a starter on the state team, is a third key returnee. Braelee Horsman (.296 average), Grace Finley, Kieran Schmaltz, and Katryn Johnson also had 20-plus at bats. Johnson is the only returning Gopher to pitch last season. Rylee Urban (Fr.) also is expected to work the mound. Multi-year assistant coach Brent Berge takes over for Jerry Chase as head man. Filling Springer’s pitching void is a notable storyline. The Gophers have not had a losing season in the “Journal-Sports” era. It would be unwise to bet against a winning season, but their high-end potential will be determined.