Times-Courier_476169

Gilmer High School Fall Sports Kickoff! A S PECIAL S UPPLEMENT TO THE T IMES -C OURIER W EDNESDAY , A UGUST 13, 2025 F O O T B A L L • S O F T B A L L • V O L L E Y B A L L • C R O S S - C O U N T R Y • C O M P E T I T I O N C H E E R L E A D I N G By Robbie Bills Times-Courier A new season brings a revived energy and new field for Gilmer High School softball. The Lady Cats return an experienced roster hungry for success and were busy over the offseason improving their speed and strength. The Cats also got accustomed to their new field, which is a shared space with the base- ball team located on the GHS campus behind the gym. Conditioning began back in April under the guidance of first-year assistant coach Teresa Mullis. For June and July, players reported to weight training at 7 a.m. before two hours on the field. “We have been working on cardiovascular condi- tioning and getting stronger and quicker,” said head coach Haley Vick, who enters her third year at the helm. “There has been a big emphasis on quick explo- siveness and just being in better shape and developing that strength that is going to keep us healthy throughout Photo Courtesy of Legacy Studios/Miguel Gutierrez Softball continued on 8 By Robbie Bills Times-Courier The Gilmer Bobcats have enjoyed consecutive trips to the postseason and they are looking for more of the same in 2025. Paul Standard enters his 25th year as a head coach and fifth at the helm of the Bobcat program. Players have put in long hours over the offseason and were often on the practice field at 5 a.m. to avoid the searing afternoon heat. Their hard work has a purpose, and Standard discussed the team’s expectations. “Our goals really never change, and the first one is to make the playoffs, “ he said. “There’s only been four teams to reach the sec- ond round, and no class has done it twice. This senior class could achieve that (after reaching the sec- ond round in 2023). There’s only been one class that has made the playoffs three straight years. There are some milestones they can reach or better. “Another goal is to be region champions, and we also want to be the mythical Hwy. 515 champions (versus Pickens, Fannin and Union counties). Not everybody plays Football continued on 5 State playoffs on Bobcats’ mind GHS softball boasts depth, versatile roster in 2025 Photos Courtesy of smaX Photography Pictured are GHS softball players, and above are the varsity Lady Cats. Front row from left are Makayla Martin, Kali McCardle, Melissa Rasmussen, Parker Blue Williams, Mia Henson and Sarah Dale. Middle row are manager Jamison Payne, Mary Grace Jones, Macie Baxter, head coach Haley Vick, Gracie Gaitanoglou, Lily Fortune and assistant coach Ashley Waters. Not pictured, assistant coach Teresa Mullis. Back row are Brenlee Daniel, Emma Cagle, Phoeniz Addie, Chloe Prosser, Braley Stewart and Jaylee McDaniel.