In Kellie Jones Manyhides’ first-ever season as the head Ronan softball coach, her Maidens team achieved many benchmarks.

The senior-laden Maidens team overcame a 7-2 deficit to Anaconda and won it in the seventh inning to capture the Class B-C Divisional Crown and secure the No. 1 overall seed headed into the Class B-C state playoffs.

Ronan’s early-season momentum was derailed when the No. 1 seeded Maidens lost back-to-back contests to Eastern teams Huntley Project and Glasgow that officially ended their season.

“We had a big season last year and that was my first year coaching,” Manyhides said. “We had high expectations for the girls and for the program. I am just trying to build on the program because I am here because I love softball. I just can’t help but pass that on to other players.” Manyhides, who was a four-year letterman for a Frenchtown team that captured two Class B-C championships during her four years as a player between 2001-2005, said she hopes to bring that tradition and culture to this year’s young junior-heavy softball squad.

According to Manyhides, there isn’t a single senior as the Maidens begin their first full week of practice.

“We have big, high standards for this junior class, there are going to be a lot of hard workers on this year’s team and I am super excited for this year,” Manyhides said. “It’s going to be a young team. We have a very talented freshman and sophomore group.”

Manyhides plans on implementing the high expectations and developing a culture of softball expectations by using mottos of excellence she wants her players to live by.

“It’s just great because our motto is ‘setting the standard,’ and that helps out our program,” Manyhides said. “It lets players on our team know our expectations and standards by the time they are freshmen and sophomores. It’s a really fun team of hard workers. They are here because they love the sport. My assistant, Coach Nolan and I are really excited to start the season.”

Currently, the Maidens are still in the process of solidifying their roster as they prepare to start the season.

“Coach Nolan and I have been talking about this since the day after state,” Manyhides said. “Last year we had a lot of upperclassmen and this year we only have juniors. I am excited about it.”

Manyhides said she is “excited” about being able to mold her young junior-heavy squad into her program.