The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The 2026 Roy Royals softball team enters the spring with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to turn the page after a winless 2025 season. While the record was difficult to swallow, the Royals gained something that can’t be measured in standings: experience. Many returning players logged meaningful varsity innings. With one of the youngest rosters in Region 5, that foundation could prove invaluable as the program works to rebuild its competitive footing.

The 2024–25 season was a trial by fire. Roy faced a demanding schedule, playing against veteran teams and polished pitching staffs, often learning on the fly against more seasoned opponents. But those challenges also forged a tougher, more resilient group.

Head coach Steph Mark, now entering her ninth year at Roy, spent the offseason reinforcing fundamentals, building confidence, and creating an environment where players understand that progress is earned long before it shows up in the win column. With so many underclassmen returning, Mark has a young team that is hungry, energetic, and ready to take a meaningful step forward.

A major storyline for the Royals this spring is the reality that only two seniors appear on the 2026 roster, a challenge that will test the team’s leadership structure. Fortunately for Roy, those two seniors bring talent, versatility, and a deep commitment to the program.

Lorelai Sherrod

Senior Lorelai Sherrod, who has committed to continue her education and softball career at Treasure Valley Community College, returns as one of the most adaptable athletes on the roster. She can catch, play the outfield, and fill gaps wherever needed, providing a steady presence to a lineup still finding its identity.

Alongside her is senior Izzy Cline, who will anchor the Royals both at third base and in the pitching circle. Cline’s leadership has become a defining piece of Roy’s culture, and she enters her final season with great pride in the program she has helped shape.

“I’m super excited for my senior year; our amazing coaching staff has put in a lot of extra hard work for us girls to hone in on our athletic ability while creating team bonding experiences,” Cline said. “I have loved and cherished all four years I have spent with Roy, and I’m happy to represent this program, and I’m excited for what’s to come for them.”

Underclassmen depth becomes Roy’s new strength

Behind the seniors is a promising wave of juniors and sophomores who gained valuable varsity experience last season and are poised to take on larger roles. Juniors Kate Cochran, Brynlee Pearl, Mya Gardner, and Braelynn Rogers all return with the expectation of contributing immediately.

Each showed flashes of potential throughout the 2025 season, and their continued growth will be critical as Roy works to close the competitive gap in Region 5.

Among the underclassmen, sophomore Megan Johnson stands out as a player to watch. She saw time in the circle last year and will be given every opportunity to emerge as a key pitcher for the Royals. Her development could become one of the defining storylines of the season.

Izzy Cline

Roy opens its 2026 campaign on the road at Kearns on March 4, a matchup that will offer an early glimpse at how far the team has come since last spring. While outside expectations may remain modest, the energy within the program is anything but. The players have embraced the challenge of rebuilding, and the coaching staff believes the combination of experience, leadership, and youthful enthusiasm will make Roy far more competitive this season.

The 2026 Royals may be young, but they are hungry, and after a year of learning through adversity, they are ready to show Region 5 just how much they’ve grown.

photos courtesy of James Tate