Gahanna Lincoln Lions Softball

Went to church, watched some college softball and then headed to the field with my dad to take advantage of the warm day (and battle the 💨!) Working on solid contact and driving through the ball. T-7 days until our 1st game! Also had a little HR derby fun with my @GLHSsoftball teammate @AEvans2029💙💛 @Ohiohawks09King @PVSbaseball @ExtraInningSB @MaxPreps @LineDsoftball @FlyerSoftball @CoachBuffUD @CamdenDecker @Coach2K_OSU @Jess_Odonnell88 @Coach_PetrieSB @whitmorealex8 @Hall_J_4 @madimccrady1022 @PiperSwiper @whitney_arion @Pmurphy08 @CoachPena_BSU @mandygardner24 @livforshey @Coach_Doria @Coach_mcGuem @CoachWThees @jess_bracamonte @Coach_MGardner

Putting in lots of extra work this weekend! One more scrimmage before games start so a little tune up with @iCoachhitting was a great way to start my Saturday. #keepgrinding #biggoals @GLHSsoftball @Ohiohawks09King @ExtraInningSB @MaxPreps @LineDsoftball @FlyerSoftball @CoachBuffUD @CamdenDecker @Coach2K_OSU @Jess_Odonnell88 @Coach_PetrieSB @whitmorealex8 @Hall_J_4 @madimccrady1022 @PiperSwiper @whitney_arion @Pmurphy08 @CoachPena_BSU @mandygardner24 @livforshey @Coach_Doria @Coach_mcGuem @CoachWThees @jess_bracamonte @Coach_MGardner

Gahanna & Johnstown getting in some preseason reps 😤 @JHSJohnnies @GLHS_Athletics @GLHSsoftball @johnstownsoftball @johnstownathletics

Gahanna & Johnstown getting in some preseason reps 😤 @JHSJohnnies @GLHS_Athletics @GLHSsoftball @johnstownsoftball @johnstownathletics

Gahanna & Johnstown getting in some preseason reps 😤 @JHSJohnnies @GLHS_Athletics @GLHSsoftball @johnstownsoftball @johnstownathletics

It was a beautiful day to watch some @FlyerSoftball and my girl @_julianag24❤️✈️Also a fun surprise to get to watch with my @Ohiohawks09King teammate @KyleneSeibel 💛 Now time to hit the field tomorrow for our 1st scrimmage! 🦁 @CoachBuffUD @GLHSsoftball @ExtraInningSB @MaxPreps

✌🏼days until our 1st HS scrimmage🦁 Lots of work behind the scenes happening to prepare to hit the field with my @GLHSsoftball girls! 2 weeks until games start…..Let’s Do This! #keepchasingthedream #1percentbettereveryday #biggoals @Ohiohawks09King @PVSbaseball @ExtraInningSB @MaxPreps @LineDsoftball @FlyerSoftball @CoachBuffUD @CamdenDecker @Coach2K_OSU @Jess_Odonnell88 @Coach_PetrieSB @whitmorealex8 @Hall_J_4 @madimccrady1022 @PiperSwiper @whitney_arion @Pmurphy08 @CoachPena_BSU @mandygardner24 @livforshey @Coach_Doria @Coach_mcGuem @CoachWThees @jess_bracamonte @Coach_MGardner

☀️ came out today -> long toss with my sister, can’t wait for season to start!! 💙💛@COPCottrill @GLHSsoftball @ExtraInningSB @D1Softball @SoftballDown @MaxPreps @TopPreps @MaggieMrowka @coachcrawford4 @USCBSoftball @HolliMitchell8 @UMU_Softball @CoachScibelli @kayleeallen88

Took a break from watching college softball to enjoy this beautiful weather and get some reps in with my dad☀️ 12 days until our 1st scrimmage! Can’t wait to be back on the field with my @GLHSsoftball girls💙🦁💛 @Ohiohawks09King @PVSbaseball @ExtraInningSB @LineDsoftball @MaxPreps @D1Softball @FlyerSoftball @CoachBuffUD @CamdenDecker @Coach2K_OSU @Jess_Odonnell88 @Coach_PetrieSB @whitmorealex8 @Hall_J_4 @madimccrady1022 @PiperSwiper @whitney_arion @Pmurphy08 @CoachPena_BSU @mandygardner24 @livforshey @Coach_Doria @Coach_mcGuem

Here are some clips from my hitting lesson last week. Working hard to be the best and trusting the process! I am so excited to have started practice with @GLHSsoftball and can’t wait for games to start! @ExtraInningSB @LineDsoftball @TopPreps @gatorjack72 @LegacyLegendsS1

1st practice of the season ✅ Then some pitching after, can’t wait for games to start!! 💙💛 @COPCottrill @GLHSsoftball @ExtraInningSB @SoftballDown @TopPreps @MaggieMrowka @coachcrawford4 @USCBSoftball @UMU_Softball @CoachScibelli @CoachAaronMoore @HolliMitchell8 @kayleeallen88

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT!!! -- #34 Ava Miller Not many players can say they made the jump from baseball to varsity softball, but that’s exactly the path Ava Miller took when she joined the program her freshman year. Since then, she has grown into a versatile player for the Lions, bringing toughness, athleticism, and a team-first mentality every time she steps on the field. Ava has provided the Lions with flexibility on defense, contributing at first base and in the outfield, always ready to fill whatever role the team needs. Now entering her senior season, Ava will be relied on more heavily to deliver gap-to-gap power and drive in runs when the Lions need it most. With her strength at the plate and continued development in the game, she is poised to make a big impact for the Lions this year. Ava’s journey from picking up a softball for the first time to becoming a senior leader in the program speaks to her dedication, work ethic, and love for competing. The Lions are excited to see what she accomplishes in her final season. Thank you, Ava, for your commitment to the program and for representing Lions softball the right way. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Q&A – Ava Miller Favorite Softball Memory at GLHS: Hitting my first softball home run at Berlin my freshman year. How long have you been playing softball/baseball & how did you get started? I’ve been playing baseball/softball since I was 5 years old, so about 13 years. I started in T-ball, played travel baseball since I was 10, and travel softball since I was 15. Biggest Influence: My sister, Abbie. Superstitions or Pre-Game Rituals: Eating sunflower seeds. Perfect Pre-Game Meal: Hot dog. Go-To Pump Up Song/Music: All of the Lights by Kanye West or Goodbye Yesterday by Elevation Worship. What do you enjoy doing on your days off? Watching TV, road trips, running, shopping, concerts, traveling. Favorite Sports Team/Player: Jose Ramirez. Five Things You Can’t Live Without: My family, my friends, my bed, late-night Cane’s runs, sports. AVA JUNIOR YEAR PIC ------------ AVA FRESHMAN PIC @GLHS_Athletics

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT!!! – #42 Maya Ash Today we recognize senior outfielder #42 Maya Ash as part of our Gahanna Lincoln Softball Senior Spotlight. Maya is a tremendous role model, not only for her teammates but also for her younger siblings who look up to the example she sets every day. Her work ethic, character, and team-first mentality represent exactly what it means to be part of the Lions softball program. On the field, Maya will play an impactful role this season helping turn the lineup over and create opportunities for the offense. Her ability to put the ball in play and create pressure on the bases will be important for the Lions this year. Defensively, Maya covers a lot of ground in the outfield and has a knack for running balls down in the gaps, making tough plays look routine. We are proud of the player and person Maya has become and are excited to watch her make an impact during her senior season. _______________________________________________________________________ Senior Q&A with Maya • Favorite softball memory at GLHS? The regional semifinal game and celebrating with the girls. • How long have you been playing softball and how did you get started? I’ve been playing since I was 7 years old. I always watched baseball on TV and knew I wanted to play myself. • Biggest influence: My little sisters, Malia and Melody. • Superstitions or pre-game rituals: I always listen to the same playlist. • Perfect pre-game meal: Any type of fruit. • Go-to pump up music: Michael Jackson or Kendrick Lamar. • What do you enjoy doing on your days off? Watching my sisters play their sports or getting outside. • Favorite sports team/player: Matt Carpenter from the St. Louis Cardinals. • Five things you can’t live without: Music, my family, friends, going out to eat, and being outside. JUNIOR YEAR MAYA ------------------- FRESHMAN YEAR MAYA @GLHS_Athletics

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT!! – #16 Ella Carlson A steady presence in the circle and a competitor who never backs down from a challenge, Ella Carlson has been an important part of the GLHS pitching staff throughout her varsity career. Over the last three seasons, Ella has shown toughness, resilience, and the ability to step into big moments when her team needs her most. Whether it’s coming in to close out a game or giving the team valuable innings in the circle, she has always been ready when her number is called. Throughout her varsity career, Ella has appeared in 47 games, compiling an 11–8 record with 3 saves while throwing 130.1 innings in the circle. She has recorded 111 strikeouts while facing 649 batters and holding opponents to a .272 average. Her willingness to compete and step into difficult situations has made her a reliable arm for the Lions whenever the team needs her. While Ella has made a strong impact in the circle, her bat will be looked upon even more this season. With the power production we graduated last year, Ella’s ability to drive the ball and provide pop in the lineup will be an important piece of our offense moving forward. Ella will also continue her softball career at the next level, where she will be pitching for Davis & Elkins College. We have no doubt she will do great things there and continue to represent GLHS softball with pride. Her competitiveness, work ethic, and team-first mentality have made her a valued teammate and leader in our program, and we’re proud to recognize everything she has contributed to GLHS softball. _______________________________________________________________________ Senior Q&A with Ella Favorite Softball Memory: Winning the OCC last season. How long have you played? 9 years — I just wanted to try something different. Biggest Influence: My dad. Superstition: I wear the same necklace for every game. Perfect Pre-Game Meal: Pasta. Pump-Up Song: “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado or anything by Rihanna. Off-Day Activities: Spending time with my friends. Favorite Sports Player: Jordy Frahm (Bahl) Five Things I Can’t Live Without: Chipotle, music, Starbucks, movies, and my bat. ELLA JR YEAR ---------- ELLA FR YEAR @GLHS_Athletics @SenatorsSB @16EllaC

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT!! #7 – Aubrey Yekisa Four years. One position. Total lockdown. Aubrey Yekisa has been the anchor in centerfield for GLHS, and simply put, the best defensive centerfielder in the state. Her range in the gaps, elite reads off the bat, and ability to track down balls most players don’t even get close to have saved countless runs over the last four seasons. She’s been the steady presence in our outfield and a true difference-maker in big moments. One of her favorite memories? Beating Mentor in the regional semifinals her junior year and she was right in the middle of it. From her freshman year to now, the growth, confidence, and impact have been undeniable. Ten years in the game. Four-year varsity starter. Defensive game-changer. Proud to spotlight one of the best to patrol centerfield Aubrey’s consistency shows in the numbers as well. In 69 varsity games, she’s a career .310 hitter with 53 hits, 25 RBI, 31 runs scored, 12 doubles, 43 stolen bases and 4 triples. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a little more about Aubrey Yekisa Favorite Softball Memory: Beating Mentor in the regional semifinals my junior year How long have you played? 10 years — started when my parents signed me up for Gahanna rec league after we moved from Reynoldsburg Biggest Influence: My dad Superstition: I always wear my batting glove under my glove no matter what Perfect Pre-Game Meal: Pasta, strawberries, and an Alani Pump-Up Song: “Life Goes On” by Lil Baby ft. Gunna Off-Day Activities: Shopping, naps, and spending time with friends and family Favorite Team: Notre Dame football Five Things I Can’t Live Without: My phone, my car, music, cotton candy Alani, chocolate JUNIOR YEAR PIC ---- FRESHMAN YEAR PIC @GLHS_Athletics @aubreyyak2026

Congratulations to former GLHS standout and Dayton Flyer shortstop Kirnan Bailey ('23 Alum) who currently leads the NCAA in Stolen Bases per game! @GLHS_Athletics @gahannafootball @GahannaBaseball @LincolnLiveTV @GahannaJeffersn @GLHSLions @GLHSLionsRoar @GAHANNABILLY1 @CityOfGahanna @Gahannaohio @GahannaSouth @blacklick

ROSTER DROP & PREVIEW -- The 2026 season is here, and the excitement around Gahanna Lincoln High School Softball is building fast. Coming off a Top-5 finish in last year’s State Tournament, the Lions return a strong core of impact players, including Minnesota commit and speedster Kira Bailey (SS), along with Bella Costa (3B), Fotini Belak (P), and Adrionna Dunton (C/UT). Costa, Belak, and Dunton are all drawing collegiate attention and are on multiple Division I prospect boards. This year’s squad will also be powered by outstanding senior leadership from Davis and Elkins Commit Pitcher Ella Carlson, Aubrey Yekisa — a 4-year starter in center field — Maya Ash (OF), and Ava Miller (1B/OF), giving the team experience, stability, and leadership across the field. Adding even more excitement is the arrival of Amira Evans (IF), widely regarded as one of the top 2029 prospects in the nation. She joins emerging sophomore standout Caleigh Cannon (C/UT), giving the Lions another dynamic duo as they look to build on last year’s tournament run. With veteran leadership, returning production, and exciting young talent, this year’s team looks focused, hungry, and ready to make another deep postseason push. Stay tuned — it’s shaping up to be a fun spring for Lions Softball. #LionPride #GahannaSoftball #GoLions @GLHS_Athletics @ExtraInningSB @LineDsoftball @dp_dispatch @DispatchFrank @mrichnotwealthy @Isley23 @CoastRecruit @SBLiveOH @LegacyLegendsS1 @CBUSsportsLocal @SportsPicsOhio @DiamondAddicts @SoftbalAmerica @los_stuff @D1Softball @deucebailey24 @ExtraInningSB @TopPreps @MaxPreps @IHartFastpitch @SBRRetweets @CoastRecruitsSB @EFrantzMP @OHSAASports @CDABSports