COVINGTON, Ga. — For both the Peachtree Academy baseball and softball teams, the 2022 season is right around the corner. 

Each team has prepared in its own way for the season ahead. With that, the head coaches anticipate successful 2022 campaigns for their teams. 

Panther Baseball

Normally over the offseason, head coach Kevin Boeckman takes a pessimistic view of his team’s chances heading into the regular season. This year, however, something’s different as Boeckman said he’s very optimistic right now. 

“Last year, I thought it would be a rebuilding year and we made it to the final four,” Boeckman said. “We probably have a better all-around squad than we had last year. The only question is, can I get them together and develop that chemistry?” 

Eighteen players have gone out for the Panthers this offseason which, according to Boeckman, hasn’t been the case in recent years. 

Of the 18 players on this year’s squad, though, the Panthers’ leaders will be Amman Dewberry and Tyler Lowe, Boeckman said. Additionally, Boeckman foresees the Panthers leaning heavily on a few underclassmen, too, to help the team become more successful. 

All in all, Boeckman wants to see his team develop team chemistry, perform better on the diamond and, overall, play together as a team. 

Boeckman believes, if his team does that, they’ll be playing their best baseball when they need to. 

“If we come together and gel at the right time, I would hope we can get back to the final four with an opportunity to get to the finals,” Boeckman said. 

Lady Panther Softball 

2022 for the Lady Panthers will be one of learning. 

With only three starters returning from last year, head coach Chris Smith is eager to see how this year’s group of players learn the game of softball as well as learn how to play with one another. 

“Right now, we’re focusing on the fundamentals,” Smith said. “We’re trying to see who can throw, who can catch and figuring out what the strengths are for each girl.” 

Even though Smith anticipates a learning curve for the 2022 squad, he wants this season to start building a “championship house.” 

Smith stressed how important the three returning starters, Kate Chupp, Savannah Norris and Josie Smith, would be to accomplishing this. 

“I want them to come in and really set the pace in practices as well as games,” Smith said. “I’m hoping they can help acclimate the new girls to how we play and how I coach.” 

When all is said and done this season, though, Smith is hopeful that the foundation of the championship house will be built to assist with future success.