Bethel Christian Academy Trojans Softball: 2025 Season Preview
Bethel Christian Academy Trojans Softball: 2025 Season Preview
The Bethel Christian Academy Trojans are primed for another strong season under the leadership of head coach Ashley Stroud. Coming off an impressive 16-2 record (5-1 in conference play), the Trojans return much of their young core from last year, setting high expectations for 2025.
Leading the way is star pitcher and hitter Suzanne Rouse, who had a breakout season in 2024 despite coming off an injury. Rouse was a force both on the mound and at the plate. "Our main player is Suzanne Rouse," said Stroud. "She had a breakout year after coming off ACL surgery. She hit over .500 for us, won six games on the mound, plus she hit six or seven home runs."
The Trojans also have added depth in the circle with eighth-grader Emmerson Smith stepping up as another pitching option. Alongside Rouse and Smith, Emma Ingram and Bailey Smith will be vital contributors as the team looks to build on last year’s success.
One of the biggest challenges for Coach Stroud is deciding on a starting lineup. "Our biggest strength is, I think, a good problem—which is our depth. It’s going to be difficult picking the starting nine," Stroud said.
The team has unfinished business heading into this season. Union Grove, out of Lexington, has ended the Trojans’ playoff run in recent years, and getting past them remains a major goal. "The last couple of years, we've run into a team out of Lexington called Union Grove, and they always kick us out of the playoffs," Stroud admitted. "Our expectations are to figure out a way to get past them."
To prepare, the Trojans will face a tough non-conference slate designed to challenge them. "We just try to load it up with all kinds of non-conference teams so we can see the best pitching and be ready," Stroud explained.
The season opens with four straight road games, beginning at Faith Christian on February 28. Fans can catch the Trojans at home for the first time on March 14 against Jones Senior.
With a talented returning roster, added depth, and a determined mindset, Bethel Christian Academy is set to make another run at a championship in 2025.
