What to do for an encore?
That's the question facing Central Oklahoma in 2024 as the Bronchos look to follow up a brilliant 2023 campaign and the answer is simple yet exceedingly difficult -- make another run at the NCAA Division II national championship.
UCO won a school-record 54 games a year ago, finishing 54-9. The Bronchos captured the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association title and claimed the Central Regional crown in making their first World Series appearance in 10 years, getting ousted in the semifinals. Now the goal is to be the last team standing and UCO is equipped to do just that.
The Bronchos return five position starters, both starting pitchers and  five other letterwinners from last year's club. Mix in seven talented newcomers eager to contribute and it's easy to see why UCO will be one of the favorites to hoist the final trophy.
"We've got high expectations," said 11th-year head coach Cody White, who is 403-146 at the UCO helm. "Obviously we had a great season last year, but we came up a little short at the end and that has stuck with us.
"This team is motivated to get back to the World Series, though we know that will be a tremendous challenge. It's going to take a lot of work and we have to get a little better every day, but I like this group and the attitude they bring to the field."
The Bronchos, ranked third in the preseason national poll, are led by a trio of returning All-Americans – senior outfielder Jacee Minter, junior pitcher/first baseman Terin Ritz and sophomore shortstop Emily Deramus.Â
Minter has earned All-America honors the last two years and already ranks as one of UCO's all-time greats. Ritz is a dominant force in the circle and at the plate, while Deramus got her career off to a spectacular start in 2023 and looks to be even better this spring.
UCO also has back two All-MIAA performers in senior first baseman Tatum Long and junior pitcher Jordyn Pipkin along with two more starters in senior outfielder Shayleigh Odom and sophomore outfielder Rylee Lemos.
Sophomore infielder Rylee Anglen, senior utility Makella Mobly, junior catcher Layne Smith, junior catcher Karson Jennings and junior outfielder Brooke Niver are returning letterwinners.
Four transfers and three freshmen make up the newcomers, with several of those expected to push for immediate playing time.
"Our depth is pretty good at most positions and everybody is pushing each other," White said. "We have to stay healthy, but this group has a chance to do big things and we're excited about the season."
Here's a position-by-position look at the Bronchos:
Catcher
Smith is in line to take over behind the plate after seeing part-time starting duty last year. A defensive whiz with great leadership skills, Smith has the experience and confidence to be a mainstay for UCO. Jennings saw limited action last year, but has emerged as a contender for playing time. Freshman slugger Kya Watson provides additional depth to the position.
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First Base
Ritz and Long will share time here. Ritz, who batted .356 with 12 home runs and 52 runs batted in last year, will be here when she's not pitching. Long was a first-team All-MIAA pick at utility/non-pitcher after hitting .272 with 15 doubles and 38 RBI.
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 Second Base
It's a battle for the starting berth between sophomores Anglen and Sherri Mason, though Anglen may rank as the early favorite. Anglen hit .316 while seeing plenty of action in a back-up role last year and followed it up with a fantastic fall campaign. Mason started all last season at Division I Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and is a true utility set to play multiple positions for the Bronchos.
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Shortstop
Deramus stepped into an immediate starting role last year and was sensational, earning MIAA Freshman of the Year honors as well as All-America acclaim. She hit .352 with 21 doubles, a UCO freshman-record 14 homers and 56 RBI while also providing excellent defense. Mason and junior transfer McKenna Johnson can help out here if needed.
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Third Base
Johnson is in line to take over the starting spot. She enjoyed a stellar career at Seminole State College, hitting.450 with 16 doubles, nine homers and 58 RBI last year to garner All-America recognition. Mason could also see time here.
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Outfield
All three starters return, led by Minter. Minter has started every game (174) of her career in left field, having made just one error in that time. She batted .354 with 14 doubles, 10 homers and 47 RBI last year in picking up All-America accolades for the second straight season. Lemos is back in right field and is coming off a stellar rookie campaign. She led the team with 17 stolen bases while batting .332 with 16 doubles and was named to the NFCA Gold Glove team for her play in the field.
Who will be in center field is up in the air. Odom was the main starter there last year, batting .274 with five homers and 25 RBI, but Mobly and freshman Brooklyn Ryan are both challenging for the top spot. Niver can help out in left or right field.
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Pitcher
UCO appears in great shape in the circle, with both starters back from last year along with three newcomers.
Ritz was an All-America pick at utility/pitcher after going 27-3 with three saves and a 2.16 earned run average in 41 appearances. She struck out 114 and walked just 31 in 197.2 innings. Pipkin had a 20-4 record and 2.15 ERA in 34 games to earn second-team All-MIAA honors. Ritz and Pipkin will handle the bulk of the starting duties, while redshirt freshman transfer Emmy Guthrie will likely serve as a spot starter and reliever. Freshman Shelby Beard and junior transfer Kaylee Bradley are set to help out in relief.
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Designated Player
This will probably be a position where several players are utilized. Mason will see significant action, while Long and Niver should also be used here.
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