By Zach Thummel
Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — The Hood River Valley (HRV) High School softball team, looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance. will feature many familiar, important faces during the 2026 season.
But as per usual, head Coach Madelynn Vallejo said, the team will need to adjust after key seniors moved on.
“We lost a couple of players this last year due to graduation, so that’s always a big adjustment —not just in the stats, but as far as leadership goes,” said Vallejo. “Kenadie Lucas is our only senior, and so she’s had a big first two weeks leading the team and helping write practice plans.”
Despite the roster turnover, the Eagles return eight players from last year’s varsity team, including a strong junior class. That group includes juniors Addie Van Metre, Isa Rivera, Gracyn Hanshaw and Reagan Mooney. Sophomores Taylor Duckwall, Honey Cody and Aulive Fey are coming back, too.
Several games on the schedule already stand out to HRV, but none more than a rematch with Eagle Point.
“We get to play Eagle Point again, who we lost to here last year when we hosted our first round playoff game,” Vallejo said. “I think our kids are really hungry to prove that they just happened to get us on that day.”
League matchups against Wilsonville and Canby are also games the Eagles have circled on the calendar. Vallejo added that one of the team’s biggest strengths early on this season is chemistry.
“This group has been playing together in club softball with our assistant coach, Michael, since they were like eight years old,” said Vallejo. “I’m excited to watch them celebrate Kennedy as our senior, but also to finish up the end of their high school careers.”
For Vallejo, seeing the athletes improve on the field over the years is great. However, the off-the-field growth remains one of the most rewarding parts of coaching, she added.
“Watching them grow up on the softball field in the spring is always really fun to see,” said Vallejo. “But I like watching them mature and grow into the young women that they’re going to be outside of softball.”
As for team goals, Vallejo said the Eagles are focused on returning to the postseason. HRV hosted a first-round playoff game last season as the sixth seed, and Vallejo said the team hopes to once again compete for a strong position in the standings.
“Most importantly, we are looking to make it to the playoffs, whether we are hosting a game or not,” said Vallejo. “Making it to the playoffs and advancing in the state tournament is always our goal. Outside of that, we are hoping to place in the top two for our league and just keep the growth going.”
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