St. Michael Indian School
This past season the high school Cardinals softball team had a roster of 15 girls and they competed fiercely, earning a trip to the 1A Arizona Softball State Tournament in May. The team was ranked #3 in the 1A North region, #7 in the 1A State, and their overall 10-5 season. 8 seniors were on the team with 1A North Player of the Year Gabriella Simpson, starting pitcher for the team. The Cardinals battled strongly during the quarterfinal game against 2021 state champions, Superior, and came up short 0-3 to end their season. This is the fourth state appearance for Head Coach Karen Tom throughout her five years coaching the team.
Baseball fans in the community rallied behind the varsity team this season as the team played for the first time in over a decade. Carrying a full roster of 18 players, Coach Darion Smith focused on teaching basics to new players while challenging experienced players to help teach other players and build the pitching lineup. Although the team did not have a victorious season, many underclassmen are already looking forward to the next season. Another motivation for the younger players is the goal of installing new softball and baseball fields. Currently, the school does not have a home field and has been renting out community fields or traveling much of the season to play. The Board of Directors of SMIS approved funding to start fencing to develop the fields. The project will be ongoing with hopes of the 2023 season teams being able to practice and play in the new areas.
