by James Tate
Viewmont Vikings
2024 overall and region record (10-15) (6-8)
Head coach: Bree Lopez
The Viewmont Vikings are ready to electrify the field this season, stepping into a new chapter after the departure of legends Kennedy Embrey and Molly Roberts. These stars have set the bar high, but new talent is excited to seize the spotlight. Vikings Head Coach Bree Lopez shares what it means to be part of the Vikings team, program and family.
“Great teams aren’t built on just one or two players—they thrive on a culture of leadership, hard work, and a willingness to step up,” coach Lopez said. “Embrey and Roberts are part of a long line of talent in Viking softball, a program rich in tradition since 1991. Generations of dedicated athletes, including some of our current players’ moms and aunts, have set the standard we honor today. Even our new assistant coach is a Viking alum, reflecting the deep pride and connection within this program. While we respect those who came before, each season brings new opportunities. It’s exciting to watch this team step into their own time and place, adding their chapter to the Viking legacy.”
Karli Dickerson
The Vikings will have players who can play multiple positions, and they are a group that will do what is best for the team.
“Our biggest strength is the character of this team,” coach Lopez said. “These girls have an incredible work ethic, a deep love for each other, and a passion for the game. They are versatile, open-minded, and willing to play wherever the team needs them—even in positions they don’t typically play on their comp teams. More than just athletes, they are outstanding students, leaders, and role models who take pride in representing this program the right way. Their commitment to each other, Viking softball, and building traditions makes this team truly special.”
This season features seasoned players like Karli Dickerson and Emi Jones alongside promising juniors Ricki Smith, Marlee Moser, and Peyton Burningham. Dickerson, boasting an impressive .363 career batting average, is a guiding force. She came up big in last season’s playoff showdown against Kearns, going 2-4 with three runs batted in, leading the Vikings to a 17-10 win.
Smith is a true standout, with a jaw-dropping .554 batting average and seven home runs last year. Moser’s skills as a catcher and Burningham’s versatility further bolster the Vikings’ lineup. At the plate, Moser batted .490 with two home runs, and Burningham also smacked two home runs. Jones will compete for time in the circle for the Vikings. Sophomore Betty Cluff saw significant playing time in center field and at the plate last season. Cluff scored 13 runs and drove in eight runs for the Vikings.
Marlee Moser (l) and Ricki Smith (r)
The Vikings are a team looking to make another jump and improve on last year’s success.
“Our goal is always to grow,” coach Lopez said. “We want to be more disciplined, accountable, connected, and more mentally tough than we were last year. Success isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about pushing ourselves to meet the high standards we set.”
Coach Lopez has a theme for the team each year, and this season, she has chosen to share one from former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.
“This year, our theme is inspired by Coach K’s ‘The Gold Standard’, coach Lopez said. “It’s about setting the highest standards for us as coaches and our players—not just in how we play, but in how we prepare, support each other, and hold ourselves accountable. More than half of our girls maintain a GPA above 3.5, they all have jobs, and they take pride in being well-rounded student athletes. That level of commitment carries over into everything they do as a team.”
Players to watch
Camille Taylor, sophomore
London Dickerson, freshman
Paisley Shelley, junior
Key losses
Kennedy Embrey (Utah Tech University)
Molly Roberts (Snow College)
photos courtesy of James Tate
The Hive Sports 
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