By Chris Cox

Championships. That is what is expected at Carl Albert and new head softball coach Dani Dobbs knows expectations are high in her first year. 

“There’s that pressure and expectation but I think it’s a good thing,” Dobbs says. “I think whenever you have your standards that high, and it’s everyone’s goal, it’s exciting.”

Dobbs has only known success in her softball career. As a player, she won a state championship in 2005 at Moore High School and was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006. As a coach. She then went on to play at the University of Oklahoma before stepping into coaching. She believes her experience as a player will allow her to relate with her Carl Albert Lady Trojans. 

“A winning mindset is the same regardless of age,” Dobbs says. “I think that understanding and knowing what it takes and what it feels like for these girls helps me relate to them really well.”

Dobbs is taking over a Carl Albert team that finished as the 5A state runners-up last year and she believes that she has a roster that is ready to compete for a state title again this year. 

In the circle, Carl Albert is led by junior pitcher Marissa Frolich. 

“Marissa is our ace on the mound,” Dobbs says. “But she’s a force in the lineup as well. She’s a power hitter with the potential to clear the bases at any point. She will be a huge leader and difference maker for our ball club this season.”

Also stepping into leadership roles this year will be the two seniors for the Lady Titans, Bryce Atkins and Ragan Kelley. 

“They are both really good leaders,” Dobbs says. “They can play a lot of positions on the field and I’m excited to work with them.”

A couple of younger girls expected to play big roles for Carl Albert are sophomores Kaylee Davis and Ausha Moore.

Carl Albert will begin their quest for another state championship on August 9th when they take on Southeast.