The Hive Sports

by James Tate

2025 record: overall (11-16) region (8-2)

Head Coach: Liz Bennett – 2nd year

The Fremont Silverwolves enter the 2026 season with momentum, belief, and a clear sense of direction under second‑year head coach Liz Bennett. The overall 11–16 record doesn’t tell the full story; Fremont weathered one of the toughest preseason schedules in the state, grew through it, and became a far more dangerous team by May.

Now the Silverwolves step into Region 5, a league loaded with tradition, talent, and postseason expectations. Bennett’s group won’t ease into anything; they’ll challenge from day one.

A new region, but the same upward trajectory

Replacing last year’s senior production will be a challenge, but Fremont returns a nucleus capable of keeping the program’s rise on track. The Silverwolves’ identity will once again be built around toughness in the circle, leadership behind the plate, and a lineup anchored by experienced hitters who have proven they can produce against top competition.

“Moving into Region 5 will be an exciting challenge for us,” Coach Bennett said. “There are some very strong teams in this region, and we know we will need to work hard every day to compete at a high level. The developing rivalries should create a fun and competitive environment for our players, and we are looking forward to that opportunity.”

The Silverwolves did lose key players to graduation who left a lasting mark on the Fremont program, including Savannah Palmatier, now at Salt Lake Community College, and Jessica Broadbent, who continues her softball career at Treasure Valley Community College.

“We graduated six seniors last year, but we return several key starters who will provide leadership and experience,” Coach Bennett said. “Our senior returning starters include Cara Henrie at first base, Brooklyn Himelright at catcher, and Adee Johnson at pitcher. Junior Olivia Broadbent also returns as a starter after playing third base last season.”

Brooklyn Himelright

Himelright has committed to furthering her education and softball career at Treasure Valley Community College, and Johnson is committed to Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska. Henrie finished second on the team last year with a .416 batting average and 37 hits. Johnson had a .352 average while also being the pitching ace for the Silverwolves last year.

“We return a strong group of senior leaders who will set the tone for our team this year. Cara Henrie is a consistent hitter, a phenomenal first baseman, and a true leader for our program,” Coach Bennett said. “Brooklyn Himelright leads from behind the plate, does an excellent job calling games, and is a tough competitor who brings intensity every time she steps on the field. Adee Johnson is a workhorse on the mound who throws hard and gives us confidence every time she pitches. Junior Olivia Broadbent will also be a key contributor. She is very strong defensively and brings a big bat to our lineup.”

Looking beyond the returning leaders, Coach Bennett expressed enthusiasm about the emerging talent poised to make a significant impact this season.

“We are also excited about several players who could make a strong impact this season,” Coach Bennett said. “Junior Abi Valdez has an outstanding arm in the outfield, and sophomore Chloe Clark shows impressive range as a middle infielder. We also have a talented freshman group coming in. Halli Atmore is a strong hitter and skilled middle infielder, and Neveah Griffis has a high softball IQ and will be an asset to us both offensively and defensively. We have several other freshmen and sophomores who may see some varsity time as well. We are grateful for the young talent entering the program and the depth they bring to our team.”

Cara Henrie

A program on the rise

The Silverwolves aren’t easing into Region 5; they’re stepping in with confidence. With Bennett’s leadership, a veteran battery, and a core of returning hitters who have already proven they can compete with top‑tier pitching, Fremont has every reason to believe it can contend immediately.
The schedule will be tough. The region will be unforgiving. But the Silverwolves are built for the climb.

“We are looking forward to competing, continuing to build our culture, and representing Fremont well this season,” Coach Bennett said.

And they’re ready to take the next step.

photos courtesy of James Tate