Des Moines Christian Softball
2008
The 2008 Des Moines Christian Softball Lions qualified for the State Tournament and finished 5th for the second consecutive year. After moving from Class 1A to Class 2A, the senior dominated team struggled through mid-season with injuries and illnesses. However, the Lions finished strong with an excellent 23 -13 record, playing their best ball of the season in the regional and state tournaments. The team has a remarkable record of playing in the regional finals three years in a row, winning in 2007 and 2008.
The Lions finished 2nd in the West Central Activities Conference with a 15-3 record. In addition, the team won the Lynnville-Sully Tournament. The team’s accomplishments were earned through hard work, excellent play and tremendous support from parents, the administration, the booster club, volunteers and fans.
The varsity team returned eight starters and was fortunate to have another excellent player, Senior Katie Johnson-Martin, join the team. Annette Bosman, Emily Bosman, Courtney Goeldner, Hannah Heilskov, Becca McCoy, Taylor Popplewell, Britt Schoon and Shana Smith completed the regular starting line up. The starters were ably supported by returning letter winner Brooke Mease as well as Sophomore Samantha Smith and Pre-Freshmen Leah Harris, who started several games when Pitcher Becca McCoy was injured, and Abby Hinrichs.
The junior varsity team enjoyed a fine year with an 8-1 record with the help of Allison Luscombe and Adriana Zonnefeld. Stephanie Warren, who had played very well in the spring league, was lost for the season with an arm injury. Annette Bosman, Leah Harris, Abby Hinrichs and Stephanie Warren composed a very strong 8th grade class and demonstrated considerable promise for the future.
The team elected Taylor Popplewell and Courtney Goeldner to serve as captains. Emily Bosman and Keyla Spahr were selected to be team chaplains. Taylor, Courtney, Emily and Keyla provided the team with excellent leadership and spiritual guidance.
Several Lions players were recognized for their outstanding play. Emily Bosman, Becca McCoy, Courtney Goeldner, Katie Johnson-Martin and Keyla Spahr earned all conference honors with Emily and Becca also earning all state honors. In addition, Taylor Popplewell became the first Lion softball player to be named to the Academic All State Team.
With great regret, we must bid farewell to our six seniors, Courtney Goeldner, Katie Johnson-Martin, Becca McCoy, Taylor Popplewell, Shana Smith and Keyla Spahr. Their leadership and play have been outstanding. They enjoyed outstanding individual careers and attained a remarkable 126 – 48 team record and two state tournament appearances.