The Hive Sports

by James Tate

2025 record: Overall (13-12) Region (4-6)

Head Coach: Adam Grimaldo – 1st year

The Farmington Phoenix enters the 2026 season with one of the most experienced and decorated returning cores in Region 1, and a new head coach ready to guide them into the next chapter. First‑year Head Coach Adam Grimaldo inherits a roster loaded with proven hitters, veteran leadership, and emerging young talent, providing the Phoenix with a foundation for contention.

Few teams in the region return the kind of offensive firepower Farmington brings back. All‑Region First Team senior Kiley Gazafy headlines the group after a sensational junior season in which she hit .456, collected 41 hits, and recorded at least one hit in 23 of her 24 games. She also led the Phoenix in RBIs (35) and doubles (14), establishing herself as one of the most complete hitters in the state and a legitimate Region MVP candidate entering her final season.

Kiley Gazafy

Behind the plate, All‑Region Second Team junior Sophia Strong forms the second half of Farmington’s dangerous one‑two punch. Strong hit .448 with 30 RBIs, giving the Phoenix a reliable run‑producer who thrives in pressure moments. Her defensive presence and leadership behind the plate stabilize the entire pitching staff.

Junior outfielder All‑Region Second Team selection Jane Frey returns after posting a team‑best .525 on‑base percentage, making her one of the toughest outs in Region 1. Her ability to extend at‑bats, draw walks, and consistently set the table will again be central to Farmington’s offensive identity.

Senior leadership at the core

Seniors, All‑Region First Team selection Morgan Rogers and All‑Region Second Team shortstop Ruby Andrus will set the tone for a group looking to climb the Region 1 ladder.

Rogers was second on the team with three home runs last season and delivered one of the most impressive non‑region stretches of the year, going 8-for-15 and launching a grand slam in a 9–4 win over 6A No. 6 Pleasant Grove. That run also included victories over Morgan, Corner Canyon, Brighton, Skyridge, and Pleasant Grove, showcasing her ability to rise to the moment against top competition. Her blend of athleticism, power, and leadership makes her one of Farmington’s most important all‑around players.

Andrus, a Snow College commit, enters the spring as a three‑year starter at shortstop, a .349 career hitter, and an All‑Region Second Team honoree. She’s the steady, high‑IQ defender every contender needs, a player who consistently makes the right read, the right throw, and the right decision while anchoring the infield with poise and experience.

Together, Rogers and Andrus form the heartbeat of the roster, providing the maturity and presence needed to guide a talented group forward.

Ruby Andrus

Young talent ready to break through

In the circle, All‑Region Second Team pitcher Lill Topham returns after gaining meaningful varsity experience last season. She continues to grow in her command and understanding of how to work hitters, giving the Phoenix a pitcher capable of competing with the region’s best lineups. Her development will be one of the most important factors in Farmington’s ceiling this spring.

Sophomore Taylor Adams adds another layer of upside to the roster. A left‑handed hitter who has fully recovered from past injuries, Adams put together an outstanding comp season and enters the season poised to make an immediate impact. Her bat gives Farmington a fresh offensive dimension, and her emergence strengthens the Phoenix’s ability to contend in a deep and competitive Region 1.

Farmington also features a group of under‑the‑radar contributors who could play meaningful roles as the season unfolds. Seniors Brynn Shroyer and Lilliana Zavala bring maturity, versatility, and depth.

Junior Kambree Teuscher adds athleticism and competitive fire, while sophomores Payton O’Keefe and Payton Whitley bring additional young talent capable of carving out important roles. A promising freshman class rounds out the group, giving Farmington even more long‑term upside and internal competition.

The Phoenix will also look to replace two significant graduates: Brooklyn Wright, now at Utah State University Eastern, and Lola Ogzewalla, who will attend Metropolitan State University–Denver. Their departures leave meaningful gaps, but Farmington’s depth and returning experience position the team well to absorb those losses.

Built to compete

With multiple All‑Region returners, elite offensive production, senior leadership, and a promising mix of youth and experience, Farmington enters 2026 with the pieces to make noise in Region 1. If the Phoenix can pair their offensive firepower with improved consistency in the circle, and if Coach Grimaldo’s new direction takes hold, this is a team capable of surprising people and pushing toward the top of the standings.

The talent is there. The leadership is there. And with a new voice guiding the program, the Phoenix have every reason to believe they’re ready to rise.

photos courtesy of James Tate