BIXBY SPARTANS

Coach: JP SUTMILLER

OUTLOOK

With a strong group of returning starters, Bixby will be looking to make a buzz in Class 6A this season under head coach JP Sutmiller. “Bixby will be a new team in 2023 with the core starters returning and a large freshman class ready to fill some holes,” Sutmiller said. “This team has worked hard all spring and summer in the weight room to get faster and stronger. They will be unified, will play hard, and look to surprise teams this fall.” Senior Kindal Biggs, a VYPE Top 100 nominee, will be the heart and soul. The Northeastern State commit is a four-year starter. “Kindal is the all-around kid. She is an honor student and softball standout,” Sutmiller said. “Kindal is admired by the next generation of ball players in Bixby. She is the best defensive catcher in 6A, a four-year starter, and committed to NSU.” Senior shortstop Brynn Daniel, a three-sport standout and who will be in her fourth year as a starter, will be counted on heavily to patrol the middle of the infield. “She hit .395 as a junior while having made only one error at shortstop for the season,” Sutmiller said. “She has worked an entire year to have a magical senior year.” Daniel is committed to Pittsburg State.

Centerfielder Savannah Duran gives Bixby another experienced senior. “Savannah is relatively new to Bixby, as she came later in 10th grade from California. She is a scholar-athlete and will be an anchor in the outfield for the Spartans,” Sutmiller said. “She is a great teammate and brings good energy with her. While she is uncommitted, look for Savannah to get some attention this fall and produce some offers for the next level.” An underclassman that Sutmiller is counting on is sophomore Emme Friedrichson, who will see time in the outfield. “Emme ended the spring slowpitch season with a five home run day at Broken Arrow. She is long and quick and will break into the Spartan outfield as a sophomore,” Sutmiller said. “The lefty has a way to track down balls. She will be a force over the next three years. She is one of many underclassmen that will have a chance to impact this new and exciting Spartans team.” Kinsley Nichols is another veteran who returns at first base as a senior. “While quiet and not seeking attention, she is a force on the field,” Sutmiller said. “Kinsley is a scholar-athlete as an honor student off the field. The infielders know that Kinsley will always be at first base willing to stretch into the splits to make the play or save a bad throw. She is a model teammate and works hard everyday.” Senior Hayden Byrne, referred to as “Buggy”, will contribute as an outfielder. “Hayden is another Spartan scholar-athlete. She is involved in several clubs and groups outside of school. She is an all-around all American kid that brings joy wherever she goes,” Sutmiller said. Others who will contribute are junior pitcher Sarah Barbee, junior catcher/outfielder Shay Barbee, junior second baseman/outfielder Addison Swank, and sophomore utility players Gracelyn Grunewald and Malanda Miller. Freshmen include Alli Hancock, Brynlee Hopkins, Addison Shannon, Kayman Boles, Ella Shatswell, Heidi Grunewald, Kynlee Marshall, McKinley Dark and Brooklyn Scott.