South Dakota head softball coach Robert Wagner and his Coyotes are wrapping up fall ball and continue preparing for the start of their 2021 season. We will spend some time this week and next with coach Wagner to learn more about his position groups before the squad hits winter workouts. We start the series by roaming the outfield.
 
Returning Starters
Camille Fowler, 5^th year, Omaha, Neb.
Courtney Wilson, Jr., Grand Island, Neb.
 
Returners
Gabbi Holbert, Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.
Charis Black, So., Murrieta, Calif.
Makayla Tsagalis, R-Fr., Arlington Heights, Ill.
 
Any conversation about the Coyote outfield starts with Camille Fowler, a fifth-year nursing major who has started all 199 games since arriving on campus. She's been penciled into the leadoff slot and in centerfield for a large portion of those. She's compiled 198 hits and ranks in the program's top 10 for career hits, runs scored (120) and steals (38).
 
Fowler is the 2017 Summit Freshman of the Year and has been an all-conference performer each season. Suffice to say, having her back for one more year is a big piece to the puzzle.
 
"Camille has been a leader the whole time she has been here in some capacity," said Wagner. "The nice thing about this year is she has a larger senior class to share those responsibilities so she doesn't have to shoulder that burden by herself.
 
"Education is important to her and she was coming back for another semester anyway so I think that aided her decision. Last year was cut short and I don't think anyone wanted to end their career that way. She can leave her mark on this program for a long time."
 
Courtney Wilson started 45 games in right field as a freshman before moving to left field last year. She tied teammate Lauren Eamiguel for the Summit League lead in hits when play was halted and hit .363 overall, fifth-best in the Summit.
 
"Courtney and Camille provide a level of experience to our outfield that we haven't had in a few years," said Wagner. "It's a formidable group overall, one that could rival any other in our league."
 
Charis Black appeared in all but two games and earned 10 starts in right field as a freshman. Gabbi Holbert has been a primary pinch runner during her first two seasons, but is working to earn more at bats. Makayla Tsagalis has turned in a solid fall camp after redshirting her first season.
 
Holbert offers versatility said Wagner. In addition to being able to play all three positions in the outfield, she's also a backup infielder. She played shortstop and second base in high school even as a lefty.
 
"It's important any year, but especially this one to make sure we have some versatility and Gabbi provides that," said Wagner. "Right field is certainly a more wide open contest, but I like where we stand. Charis earned time there last season and Makayla has truly grown since her redshirt year. She has been great in both practices and scrimmages.
 
"This is a deep group, overall, probably the deepest we've had here, and even though they're all left handed, they present different challenges for defenders. I'm excited about what this group can provide for the team both offensively and defensively."