Earlier this month, Line Drive did a player spotlight on Layla Ogden, the Kentucky Preseason Player of the Year for South Warren High in Bowling Green, Ky.

Layla is an outstanding senior pitcher and hitter who is signed with Western Kentucky and was ranked in the 2026 HOT 100 released last fall.

She was a key cog in the Lady Spartans going 34-4 for sure, but the team is loaded top to bottom with talent and looks to be one of the top high school programs in the nation this year too.

Here’s a closer look…

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TEAM 2026: South Warren Lady Spartans Softball 

The South Warren Lady Spartans have built their reputation on sustained excellence, not fleeting success.

Since becoming a varsity program in 2011, the Lady Spartans have established a standard rooted in winning, preparation, and postseason expectation. Every season begins with the understanding that this program is measured by championships and regional dominance, not participation.

That focus sets the stage for Spring 2026, as South Warren enters the season defending its place at the top of Region 4. 

Tradition of Excellence Over the Last Decade Plus

South Warren softball made a major leap in 2014, finishing 26–12 and beginning a consistent presence in Region 4 title contention.

Between 2015 and 2019, the Lady Spartans reached multiple regional finals, claiming back-to-back Region 4 championships in 2016 and 2017, highlighted by a 36–5 season in 2017. 

Following the canceled 2020 season due to COVID-19, the program returned stronger than ever, posting stellar records of 35–2 in 2021 and 38–3 in 2022, earning another Region 4 championship.

Success continued through 2023, 2024, and 2025, including back-to-back Region 4 championships in 2024 and 2025, cementing South Warren’s place among Kentucky’s elite fastpitch programs. 

Program History 

The varsity program began in 2011 under Chris Riggs, South Warren’s first head coach.

Over seven seasons (2011–2017), Riggs compiled an overall record of 149–92, capturing one district title, three district runner-up finishes, two regional titles, and one regional runner-up finish.

His tenure culminated in a 3^rd place finish at the KHSAA Softball State Tournament in May 2017, marking a milestone for the program. Riggs resigned in June 2017 after an outstanding run that established South Warren as a regional powerhouse. 

In spring 2018, Kelly Reynolds took over as head coach, continuing the program’s tradition of excellence.

Over seven seasons (2018–2026)—including the canceled 2020 season—Reynolds has compiled an impressive record of 227–38, keeping the Lady Spartans competitive at every level and maintaining the program’s standard of postseason success. 

Program Pillars & 2026 Outlook 

The strength of the program is evident in its NCAA Division I signees.

On December 10, 2025, five Lady Spartans committed to collegiate programs, creating one of the most accomplished signing classes in team history: 

• 

  Layla Ogden (Western Kentucky University)
  • 2025 Class 3A Player of the Year, tied the state home run record, led the state in RBIs.
• McLaine Hudson (Florida State University)
  • Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, elite defender with consistent offensive production.
• Kinleigh Russell (Oklahoma State University)
  • defensive versatility and high-level instincts.
• Parker Willoughby (Ohio State University)
  • steady corner infielder with two-way impact.
• Hadley Borders (University of Missouri)
  • rangy outfielder with speed and reliability.

Entering 2026, the Lady Spartans maintain the same philosophy: fastpitch standards are not reset—they are upheld. 

Program Legacy Spotlight: Shelby Nunn (Class of 2017) 

Long before South Warren became a regional powerhouse, Shelby Nunn helped set the foundation.

A standout pitcher for the Lady Spartans, Nunn went on to a decorated Division I career at Western Kentucky University, making 149 appearances, recording 64 wins, and posting a .688 winning percentage, ranking among WKU’s all-time leaders while earning multiple academic honors. 

Her defining season came in 2022, when she went 23–7 with a 1.87 ERA, earned three C-USA Pitcher of the Week honors, and was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament Team and NFCA All-Region Team.

Nunn’s signature moment included becoming the only Division I pitcher in 2022 to defeat No. 5 Alabama without allowing an earned run. 

Shelby Nunn’s journey proves that South Warren develops not only high school champions, but players ready to compete and succeed at the national collegiate level. 

Team 2026’s Career Résumé 

The core group enters the season with an unmatched résumé: 

• 142–16 overall record
• 4 District Championships
• 3 Regional Championships
• 2 KHSAA State Tournament Final Four appearances
• Kentucky Middle School State Championship (Fall 2021)

Chasing Legacy 

What began in 7th grade has evolved into a high school career defined by leadership, chemistry, and championship focus.

The goal for 2026 is clear: capture South Warren’s first-ever KHSAA State Softball Championship. 

South Warren’s Core – 2026

• #19 McLaine Hudson | SS | Senior
  • 2025 Kentucky Gatorade Softball Player of the Year, .619 batting average, 20 home runs, 73 hits; signed with Florida State University.
• #18 Layla Ogden | SP / 1B | Senior
  • 2025 Class 3A Player of the Year, led state in home runs and RBIs; signed with Western Kentucky University.
• #10 Courtney Norwood | SP | Junior
  • key returning pitcher, 18–3 in 2025; verbal commit to University of Kentucky.
• #24 Parker Willoughby | 3B | Senior
  • strong defensive instincts and timely hitting; signed with Ohio State University.
• #4 Hadley Borders | CF | Senior
  • premier outfielder with range and arm strength; signed with University of Missouri.
• #8 Kinleigh Russell | 2B / C | Senior
  • versatile two-way player; signed with Oklahoma State University.
• #7 Kaylee Wilson | OF | Senior
  • reliable, energetic presence in the outfield.
• #5 Khloe Walker | OF | Senior
  • returning from knee injury, ready for 2026.
• #17 Keegan Pruitt | 2B / RF | Sophomore
  • added depth and flexibility as a freshman in 2025.

2026 Complete Team Roster 

• #1 Aubrean Russell | 2B | Freshman
• #4 Hadley Borders | CF | Senior
• #5 Khloe Walker | OF | Senior
• #7 Kaylee Wilson | OF | Senior
• #8 Kinleigh Russell | 2B / C | Senior
• #10 Courtney Norwood | SP | Junior
• #12 Jordan Shehan | 2B | Sophomore
• #17 Keegan Pruitt | 2B / RF | Sophomore
• #18 Layla Ogden | SP / 1B | Senior
• #19 McLaine Hudson | SS | Senior
• #21 Emme Goss | OF | Junior
• #22 Anna Harl | OF | Sophomore
• #24 Parker Willoughby | 3B | Senior
• #25 Avery Reesy | RP | Sophomore
• #31 Madison Stuart | RF | Sophomore

Looking Ahead 

With record-setting seniors, deep program roots, and a history of success under Coach Kelly Reynolds (227–38), South Warren enters 2026 prepared to defend its Region 4 title, pursue a deep postseason run, and maintain the program’s tradition of excellence.

From the legacy of Shelby Nunn to today’s elite core, the Lady Spartans prove that South Warren softball is built to sustain success, not chase it. 

Here’s the timeline of what’s coming up next month as the Bluegrass State powerhouse kicks off the season:

• Sat March 7—South Warren 1st preseason scrimmage
• Sat March 14—South Warren 2nd preseason scrimmage
• Monday March 16—Opening Day Regular season begins

—Brentt Eads/Line Drive