Spanish Springs Cougars Softball and Baseball Preview

Spanish Springs Cougars Softball

Head Coach: Joe Lever, 1^st Season as Varsity HC at Spanish Springs HS

Previous Season Record: 26-12-1 overall, 12-4 league; Northern Regional Champions

Overview: The Spanish Springs Cougars softball team begins a new chapter this season following the retirement of Jeff Davidson, who is the second-winningest coach in Nevada state history. His impact on the Cougars program leaves a lasting legacy, and The Cougars enter this spring motivated to carry forward the standard he helped establish. With many familiar faces returning, The Cougars hope to build on that foundation and remain competitive throughout this spring, ultimately pursuing another State Championship.

Offensively, The Cougars lineup is expected to be strong from top to bottom, giving them the ability to generate runs in multiple ways. With experience returning across the order, Head Coach Joe Lever and his staff believe that the offense has the potential to stay productive and put pressure on opposing teams throughout their schedule.

Defensively, almost all of last season’s starters return to the field, which provides valuable continuity and experience. In the circle, The Cougars expect to rely on a group of four capable pitchers who can provide depth and flexibility. As the season unfolds, the message within the program remains clear: Hard work and team unity will guide The Cougars as they pursue league, regional, and state championships this season.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense – Offensively, the entire line up is strong, and we have multiple strong hitters on the bench to fill in when needed.

Defense – Our defense was young last year, but still strong. Almost all starters are returning, and I expect us to be even stronger defensively.

Pitching – We have four good pitchers this year who will work together in an effort to make the team successful.

Returners for the 2026 season – 8, including pitchers and positional players.

What is the key to your team’s success this season? Hard work and team unity.

Who do you feel are the teams to beat in the North? Bishop Manogue and Reed.

Players to watch:

Senior Madison Rogers, OF

Junior Kacyn Gifford, P/1B

Junior Mackenzie Kirkendoll, SS

Sophomore Isabella Chisolm, C/3B

Junior Madelynn Marshall, C/3B  

League Schedule:

3/3 vs. McQueen

3/5 at McQueen

3/7 at Damonte Ranch

3/10 vs. Damonte Ranch

3/12 vs. Galena

3/14 at Galena

3/17 vs. North Valleys

3/31 at North Valleys

4/7 vs. Douglas

4/11 at Douglas

4/14 at Reno

4/16 vs. Reno

4/18 vs. Bishop Manogue

4/21 at Bishop Manogue

4/25 vs. Carson

4/28 at Carson

4/30 vs. Reed

5/2 at Reed

Spanish Springs Cougars Baseball

Head Coach: Matt Guthrie, 3^rd Season as Varsity HC at Spanish Springs HS

Previous Season Record: 22-12 overall, 10-6 league

Overview: The Spanish Springs Cougars baseball team enters the season with momentum under Head Coach Matt Guthrie, who begins his third year leading the program. With a veteran-heavy roster and growing familiarity with the system, The Cougars are looking to build on the foundation established over the past two seasons. The Cougars lineup features good speed throughout, allowing The Cougars lineup features good speed throughout, allowing them to be aggressive on the bases and consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.

Offensively, that speed is expected to play a major role in creating opportunities and keeping defenses on edge. By taking extra bases and staying active on the base paths, The Cougars hope to manufacture runs and keep games competitive throughout the schedule.

Defensively, The Cougars will lean on veteran experience with six returning starters and a senior class of ten players. The focus will be on making routine plays consistently and providing steady support behind the pitching staff. On the mound, as many as six pitchers are expected to see time this season, giving The Cougars solid depth and flexibility as they navigate the challenges of the spring schedule.

What can we expect from your team this season?

Offense – Good speed throughout the lineup. Be aggressive and smart on the bases. Put the ball in play, [play] hard and put pressure on the opposing defense.

Defense – Veteran returners in the INF and CF. Good athletes. Try to make the routine plays consistently.

Pitching – Throw strikes, try to force weak contact. We should have good depth on the mound this year.

Returning starters for the 2026 season – 6, including pitchers and positional players.

What is the key to your team’s success this season? Just playing good fundamental baseball [and] Executing in critical situations and playing hard for each other.

Who do you feel are the teams to beat in the North? Bishop Manogue and Reno but it is always a competitive league.

Players to watch:

Senior Nery Gonzalez, 1B/3B

Senior Cole Schaffer, P/MI

Senior Landon Pahang, P/MI

Senior Logan Johnson, P/3B

Senior Grady Ortiz, C/P

Senior Tyson McNeil, OF

Senior Wyatt Wirshing, C

Senior Landon Garrido, P/IF/OF

Senior Luis Flores, P

Senior Ryland Shaw, MI

League Schedule:

3/5 vs. Bishop Manogue

3/12 at North Valleys

3/14 vs. McQueen

3/17 at Damonte Ranch

3/31 vs. Carson

4/2 vs. Reno

4/4 vs. Reno

4/7 at Douglas

4/9 vs. Galena

4/11 vs. North Valleys

4/14 at McQueen

4/16 vs. Damonte Ranch

4/18 at Bishop Manogue

4/21 vs. Carson

4/23 at Reno

4/25 at Reed

4/28 vs. Douglas

4/29 at Galena