CAPE GIRARDEAU — A summer of steady growth, confidence, and winning softball paid off in a big way for the Perryville Middle School softball program, as the Perryville Admirals were named Team of the Year by the Cape Girardeau Recreational Summer League.
The middle school squad, made up of players entering sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, competed in the league’s 14U division and finished the summer with a 7–1 record.
That performance stood out not only within their division, but across all age groups in the league, earning the team top honors at the annual Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation sports banquet.
According to coach Jim Simpson, the team’s success was the result of rapid development across all aspects of the game.
“They grew very well over the summer,” Simpson said. “Honestly, faster than I anticipated, as far as skill-wise and putting everything together.”
Pitching and defense formed the foundation of the team’s success. Simpson credited his pitchers for consistently throwing strikes and allowing the defense to stay engaged.
Defensively, the team made routine plays and limited mistakes, a key factor in their strong record.
Offensively, the team showed noticeable improvement as the season progressed. Players gained confidence at the plate, consistently hitting the ball hard, while also becoming smarter and more aggressive on the bases.
That growth was highlighted by leadoff hitter Cali Couture, who led the team with 17 stolen bases over the eight-game season—an average of more than two per game.
Simpson noted that Couture’s ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities set the tone for the offense and exemplified the team’s improved approach.
The Team of the Year award also reflects the broader vision for the district’s athletic program.
Simpson pointed to the emphasis on developing athletes at the middle school level as a major reason for the team’s success.
That focus is already showing results, with players entering the high school program better prepared and more confident.
Interest in the middle school softball program continues to grow as well.
In addition to the established 14U team, the program now includes a 10U team, providing younger athletes with opportunities to learn the game earlier and build a strong foundation.
