Rising Junior SS Kaitie Thornton celebrates a hit in their first round playoff matchup last season against Dacula.

written by: Matthew Skinner

CARROLLTON, Ga. — The Carrollton High School softball team is gearing up for the 2025 season with a strong junior class and promising young talent under the guidance of head coach Cali Barron.

Barron begins her fourth year at the helm of the program, having led the Trojans to the playoffs in each of her first three seasons. The team graduated two seniors, both key contributors to the program. Amira Johnson departs after winning the region player of the year and cementing herself as the all-time home run leader in program history. Alayna Parks started nearly every game in left field and was known for her strong defense, timely hits, and leadership.

Returning for the Trojans is their lone senior, Tay Simmons, who is back from a labrum injury and will lead off and play center field.

The strength of this team lies within the junior class with five returning starters: Peyton Johnson, Tessie McWhorter, Carley Jane Jordan, Kaitie Thornton, and Maycie Guest. All five have played significant roles in the last two seasons, and Carrollton will rely heavily on them for success.

The sophomore class includes some familiar names, notably Arianna and Brianna Harley, who are expected to make significant contributions after stepping up as freshmen following Tay Simmons’ injury. Both Arianna and Brianna will patrol the outfield with Simmons for the season. Pitcher Khloe Norton, another sophomore, is poised for a big season and will provide valuable depth in the pitcher’s circle.

Coach Barron expressed excitement about her team and how ready she is for the upcoming season.

“I’m very excited to start another year,” Barron said. “Team 32 is an incredible group of girls who are fun to be around and have worked really hard. I’m so proud to be their coach and can’t wait to see what this year has in store.”

The 2025 schedule features a tough non-region schedule where the Trojans will face 18 opponents that reached the playoffs last year. In region play, the Trojans will battle it out with defending state champion East Coweta.

“I think this year’s schedule is probably the hardest it’s been since I’ve been here, and we want that,” Barron said. “We play 6A softball, and we love it. Our girls are up for the challenge. Essentially, I looked at schools Class AAAA through AAAAAA who made the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight, and I tried to schedule all of them.”

The Trojans open the season at home Tuesday, Aug. 5, against Starr’s Mill. First pitch will be at 6 p.m., and you can hear all the action on the Trojan Nation Network.