GLHS Softball - Lions Reload for 2026: Speed, Power, and a New Wave of Talent Fuel High Expectations

As the Gahanna Lincoln High School Lions prepare for the 2026 softball season, optimism is high. With promising young talent and strong returning leadership, the program enters the year under the steady guidance of Head Coach Matt Bailey, now in his fifth season. Bailey holds an impressive 92–28 career record and is approaching a major milestone—his 100th career win. The Lions finished last season 19–12, highlighted by a remarkable postseason run that ended with a fifth-place finish in Division I. Gahanna battled through a challenging tournament path, defeating higher-seeded Olentangy Orange (8–7) and Olentangy Liberty (9–6) to claim the program’s 18th District Championship—more than any other school in the Central District. In the regional rounds, the Lions powered past Mentor 13–11 before falling to Lancaster 5–2 in the regional final. While the Lions graduated a standout senior class—Gabby Esterby, Madi Hall, Abby Kovacevich, Rachel Bartley and Grace Miller—the team returns six starters and 14 varsity letterwinners. “I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how you replace a kid like Gabby Esterby,” Bailey said. “Probably the most athletically gifted player I’ve ever coached. A four-year starter, a staple at the top of the lineup for 120 games—fast, hit well, a rocket arm, and could play multiple positions really, really well. No wonder her name is all over our record book.” Bailey also praised Hall’s breakout senior season, which included a .462 batting average, 42 hits, 19 extra-base hits and a team-leading slugging percentage. “She had a great year offensively, but what we’ll really miss is her glove,” he said. He described Miller as “equally important in the circle and the middle of the lineup,” noting that her leadership “created value you can’t measure in a box score.” Kovacevich and Bartley were also key contributors during the tournament run and “helped keep everything together when it mattered most.” The Lions’ 27-game schedule begins March 23 with an away matchup at Heath, followed by several home games at the Gahanna Softball Field at the Blacklick Athletic Complex. The regular season includes several key rivalry games, and the team is looking to travel to Florida for contests in Destin and Fort Walton Beach from March 29 to April 3. The Lions return a talented core ready to make an immediate impact. Leading the way are seniors Aubrey Yekisa and Ella Carlson. In Head Coach Matt Bailey’s eyes, Yekisa is the best defensive center fielder in the state. She hit .300 last year and swiped over 20 bases, providing speed and leadership in the outfield. Carlson paced the Lions on the mound, logging 55 innings pitched while leading the team in saves and limiting opposing batters with an impressive batting average against. Coach Bailey anticipates that four of his juniors will earn Division I commitments this year. Anchoring the infield and lineup are juniors shortstop Kira Bailey, third baseman Bella Costa, utility player Adrionna Dunton, and pitcher Fotini Belak. Kira Bailey, a Minnesota commit, posted 56 hits, scored 45 runs and led the state with 60 stolen bases. Costa, provided power from the three-hole with a .381 average, 11 doubles, 7 home runs, and team leading 39 RBIs. Dunton added explosive athleticism and versatility, hitting .342 with six doubles and four home runs, including two home runs in the tournament while batting .500. Belak had a breakout season as part of the Lions’ three-headed pitching rotation, and alongside Carlson, will once again keep opposing hitters off balance. Costa, Dunton, and Belak have all been getting recent looks from major colleges! The Lions are stacked with talent, and new players continue to emerge as key contributors! This year, two new arrivals will play pivotal roles for the Lions. Freshman middle infielder Amira Evans is ranked among the top 2029 players in the nation. She's fast, athletic, and brings serious power to the lineup. The Lions also welcome sophomore Spencer Kinnel, a standout shortstop and catcher from Reynoldsburg, who will be wearing the blue and gold this season. Kinnel adds depth behind the plate with a strong arm and a solid bat. Seniors Maya Ash, Katie Gulker, and Ava Miller will also play significant roles. Ash, a triple-threat lefty, fits seamlessly into the aggressive, fast-paced offense that Coach Bailey runs. Gulker will provide valuable depth in the circle, and Miller could potentially fill the vacant first base spot or even play in the outfield. The junior class is deep, with middle infielders Maggie Cohn and Ava Biratsis, who can excel at multiple positions. Livi Pinckney will compete for time behind the plate and has one of the highest exit velocities on the team. Outfielders Ally and Abby Waid are fast and defensively sound, while Allison Hunter’s bat stood out during Fall workouts. Sophomores Caleigh Cannon and Lauren Guthrie both earned starting time last year. Cannon, a natural athlete, made an impact late in the season with some clutch plays during conference games and in the tournament. Guthrie, who can also pitch, might see time at first base and in the circle if her bat continues to stay hot. Other underclassmen looking to earn varsity spots include sophomores Leah Burkhart (3B), Malani Purdie (SS), Isla Graves (C/OF), Madyson Cabus (2B/OF), and Ally Stewart (C). The Freshman class has been putting in hard work and looking to compete for varsity spots as well. This group includes Abby Randlett, Lily Randlett, Brynn Boley, Presley Sherear, Hailey Young, Madigan Blackwell, Laila Dimmerling, Alajah Whitted, Arlet Santin, Abi Hayman, Saira Mani, Ariah Amerson, Rosalie Miller, and Claudia Serna. As the state tournament approaches in May, Bailey expressed confidence in his group. Despite the team’s youth, he believes readiness will not be an issue. “As always, Gahanna will ready at playoff time,” he said.