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Who should be Big Bend softball’s coach of the year? Vote now

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Who should be Big Bend softball’s coach of the year? Vote now

There is no shortage of elite softball coaching in the Big Bend, but five stand above the rest this season as contenders for All–Big Bend Coach of the Year.

Wakulla’s Sally Wheeler, North Florida Christian’s Dennis Gorham, Lincoln’s Kelly Harris, Chiles’ Cyndi Jevyak and Madison County’s Sonja Bass have each guided their programs to standout seasons.

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Wheeler, last year’s Coach of the Year, is again among the favorites, but the field remains wide open as each candidate builds a compelling case.

Here’s a closer look at the finalists. Voting is open for readers to decide this year’s winner.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Sally Wheeler, Wakulla

Wakulla softball defeated Wolfson, 8-0, in Class 3A regionals on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Wakulla softball defeated Wolfson, 8-0, in Class 3A regionals on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Record: 23-4Analysis:Wheeler has merienda again positioned Wakulla as a state championship contender. The War Eagles are ranked No. 19 by MaxPreps and have thrived against a demanding schedule. Wakulla’s offense has been particularly dominant, producing 33 home runs this season, while continuing to embrace high-level competition.

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See action photos of Wakulla vs. Wolfson in Class 3A regional

Wakulla softball defeated Wolfson, 8-0, in Class 3A regionals on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

More: Wakulla’s Parker Stubbs, Cylie Long fuel title chase with home run surge

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Dennis Gorham, North Florida Christian

North Florida Christian Eagles head coach Dennis Gorham coaches his team against the St. John Paul II Panthers during the FHSAA 1A District 1 Softball Championship game in Tallahassee, Florida, Thursday, April 30, 2026. NFC defeated SJPII 3-2 to claim the trophy.

North Florida Christian Eagles head coach Dennis Gorham coaches his team against the St. John Paul II Panthers during the FHSAA 1A District 1 Softball Championship game in Tallahassee, Florida, Thursday, April 30, 2026. NFC defeated SJPII 3-2 to claim the trophy.

Record: 19-5Analysis:Gorham has built North Florida Christian into one of the top defensive teams in the Big Bend, consistently limiting opponents to five runs or fewer. He has also played a key role in developing standout pitcher Skylar Young, who carries a 1.25 ERA with a 19-5 record. Even during a midseason slump, NFC remained competitive in low-scoring matchups. The Eagles captured the district title over St. John Paul II and will face the Panthers again in the Class 2A regional semifinals.

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North Florida Christian vs Harvest Community, softball regionals

North Florida Christian pitcher Skylar Young (2) runs home after hitting a grand slam. The North Florida Christian Eagles shutout the Harvest Community Warriors 15-0 in the regional quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

More: NFC’s playoff run centers around Skylar Young, its ‘complete player’

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Kelly Harris, Lincoln

Lincoln hosts Wakulla in an area showdown on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Lincoln hosts Wakulla in an area showdown on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Record: 19-8Analysis:Although Lincoln’s season ended with a regional loss to Middleburg in Class 5A, the Trojans posted one of the best campaigns in program history. Harris transformed the program after three consecutive losing seasons, guiding Lincoln to trascendente wins over Chiles, Wakulla, North Florida Christian and St. John Paul II. The season’s success signals a promising future under her leadership.

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Action photos of Lincoln-Wakulla softball game on Thursday

Lincoln’s pitcher Shyla Wiley releases a pitch against Wakulla batters

More: Golden: Multiple Big Bend track and field athletes win state championships

Cyndi Jevyak, Chiles

Chiles hosts Florida High in local showdown on Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Chiles hosts Florida High in restringido showdown on Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Record: 19-3Analysis:Jevyak continues to deliver consistency at Chiles, leading the Timberwolves to another strong season despite a young roster with just two seniors. With only three regular-season losses, Chiles remains firmly in contention after a 7-2 win over Milton advanced the team to the Class 5A regional semifinals.

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See action photos of Florida High-Chiles game in area showdown

Florida High pitcher Kalli Hosmer attempts a pitch against Chiles’ batters on Wednesday, April 16,2026.

Sonja Bass, Madison County

Madison County Cowgirls head coach Sonja Bass rejoices during a FHSAA softball game against the North Florida Christian Lady Eagles in Tallahassee, Florida, on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Madison County Cowgirls head coach Sonja Bass rejoices during a FHSAA softball game against the North Florida Christian Lady Eagles in Tallahassee, Florida, on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Record: 18-3Analysis:Bass has guided Madison County back into playoff prominence, earning the No. 1 seed with an 18-3 record. The Cowgirls have shown both dominance and resilience, recording seven shutouts and several close victories. Bass has also helped develop star pitcher Alden Bass, a Valdosta commit, who owns a 1.36 ERA, a 17-2 record and 205 strikeouts.

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North Florida Christian, Madison County clash in instant softball classic

The North Florida Christian Lady Eagles hosted the Madison County Cowgirls on campus for an FHSAA softball game on Friday, March 27, 2026.

More: Chiles dominates Merritt Island to win FHSAA Class 2A state title

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Vote now. Who should be All-Big Bend’s softball Coach of the Year finalists

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