Dan Cain has returned to the Troy softball program, and he has his sights set high.

Cain takes over as the new head coach of the Trojans and looks forward to what lies ahead for the Trojans, which he feels will be a successful season.

“I heard there was an opening and I was interested in getting back here,” Cain said. “I plan to stay here longer and help build it. I want to play the strongest competition as I can find, and that is easier to do at a Division One school. I look forward to the challenge in the GWOC, this is a good division.”

“My expectations are to win the league,” Cain added. “If we play as well as we can, I think we can have a shot to do that. Greenville will be strong, Sidney is better than they have been, but we can compete in our league.”

“Troy lost eight seniors from last year, and we don’t have a lot of varsity experience back. Troy had a good JV team last year without many losses. We should have a good all-around program. Every kid has been doing well so far, and hopefully teams will think we have lost all of those seniors.”

To be successful, Cain knows that the defense has to be solid and this team can win some games.

“I stress defense,” he said. “We have a lot of interchangeable parts right now. It would be good to have a set lineup already, but we have a lot of versatility which is good for us.”

Seven seniors land on the roster, including the top pitcher Natalie Henson.

“She could be the best pitcher in the North from what I have been told,” Cain said. “She has good velocity and has played a lot of high caliber travel ball. She also led the team in homeruns, and hits the ball hard.”

Melanie Henson also returns and in the mix to start behind the plate, while center fielder Lainee Poling also returns.

“She is one of the quickest kids on the team,” Cain said. “She will get to a lot of plays in the outfield. Her experience from last year will let her have a shot at the leadoff spot. I expect her to be a leader in the outfield, and score some runs for us.”

Brooke Beeler also moves up from the JV team last year, and will play first base and some DH.

“She is a very good hitter and a very smart kid,” the Troy coach said. “She is one of the best hitters on the JV team last year, and could land in the middle of the order for us.”

Also up from JV is senior Sarah Goodwin, with the versatility to play both second base or the outfield. Cain praised her for her hard work in the off season and has improved, with a lot of speed.

Taylor Stookey will also battle for time behind the plate, as the senior could also be a candidate for DH.

“She is a basketball player and caught up quickly,” Cain said. “She is hitting well in practice.”

Finally, senior Hannah Wright is dealing with injury right now but will be in the mix as a utility player and can pitch.

Juniors on the team include Madison Potts and Lauryn Rutan, while sophomores are Kearstin Riley, Savannah Nelson and Camryn Moeller.

Also landing on the roster are freshman Josie Rolhfs, Madelyn Lavender and Cierra Ulhrig.