Girls in grades 9-12 who want to play softball for Lakota West in spring 2027 must attend a mandatory informational meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. in the Lakota West Freshman Auditorium, 5050 Tylersville Rd., West Chester.

At least one parent must accompany each prospective player.

The announcement was posted on the Lakota West Firebirds athletic website on Aug. 18. No specific agenda items were listed. Families with questions can email head coach Keith Castner at [email protected].

The meeting comes as the Firebirds program reloads after a productive spring 2026 season. Paige Kopp, a junior outfielder, and Bella Lucas, a senior infielder, earned First Team All-GMC honors. Four additional players received Second Team recognition: Mia Anderson, Jordan Beimesche, Ava Gilbert and Claire Wilburn.

Castner, who has built a pipeline of college-level talent, set a competitive tone throughout the 2026 campaign. "You can't have an inning like that and think you're going to beat a good team," he told the Journal-News after an April 24 loss to rival Lakota East. "We fought all the way to the end, but they scored five in one inning."

The program's college pipeline remains strong. Former Firebird Belle Hummel set Ohio University's single-season records with 87 hits and 77 runs this past spring, while Molly Grace contributed at Dayton and KK Mathis played in the ACC Tournament Final Four at Duke.

Junior pitcher Ava Gilbert and junior designated hitter Jordan Beimesche are among the returning all-conference players expected to anchor the 2027 roster. The Sept. 2 meeting at 6 p.m. is the only announced path onto the spring squad.