City, county proclamations honor Hillsboro Lady Indians softball team
The City of Hillsboro and Highland County commissioners honored the Hillsboro Lady Indians softball team with recent proclamations. Top photo: Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha is pictured with Hillsboro Lady Indians assistant coach Mallory Parsons, head coach Gary Breeden and players Madison Dearmon and Camryn Spruell as city council members look on. Bottom photo: Hillsboro assistant coach Jason Dearmon, head coach Gary Breeden and players Camryn Spruell, Madison Dearmon and Addison Huff are pictured with Highland County commissioners Brad Roades, David Daniels and Terry Britton. (HCP Photos/Caitlin Forsha)
The 2025 OHSAA Division IV state runner-up Hillsboro Lady Indians were recognized on back-to-back days, with Highland County commissioners honoring the team Wednesday, July 16 and the City of Hillsboro issuing a proclamation Thursday, July 17.
Accepting the commissioners’ proclamation were head coach Gary Breeden, assistant coach Jason Dearmon and three of the team’s seniors from this past spring, HHS graduates Madison Dearmon (first baseman), Addison Huff (centerfielder) and Camryn Spruell (pitcher). Breeden, Spruell and Madison Dearmon were also on hand Thursday at the city council meeting, along with another assistant coach, Mallory Parsons (who is also the granddaughter of city council member Mary Stanforth).
The history-making team also included Isabelle Brunck, Reagan Clemons, Rhianna Clemons, Harper Conrad, Meredith Dietrick, Mylea Fridley, Madison Karnes, Addley Miller, Chloe Roberts, Camden Stroud, Rilynn Swisshelm, Brylee Thornburgh, Leah Vance, Paisley Zink and Emory Zornes, as well as assistant coach Bobby Thornburgh.
Breeden told commissioners the team finished 23-4, as “three of the four losses came to eventual state champions,” including their loss in the state title game. Britton also referred to the team’s 50-0 record over the past five seasons in Frontier Athletic Conference play, as the graduating seniors never lost an FAC game.
“That is amazing,” Britton said.
Commissioners invited the HHS representatives to speak about the spring season that ended in a trip to Akron for the state Final Four and ultimately the state championship game.
“The season was really fun,” Huff said. “With me being a senior, going out and graduating this year, that was definitely one way to end the season that was really fun.”
“It was a really cool season, something to experience, making history,” Dearmon added. “We've been playing together since we started softball, so it's cool to go out that way.”
Britton asked about the girls’ trip to Akron for the Final Four. Spruell said, “It was hot, but it was fun.”
“You guys have a lot to be proud of,” Britton said. “You’ve set a great example for our younger generation. You know, they’ve got those little girls just playing C ball right now. They're looking up thinking, ‘maybe I could be there someday.’ Congratulations to all of you.”
Roades read the proclamation recognizing the “remarkable 2025 season” of the Lady Indians. In addition to their 23 wins, FAC winning streak and first-ever Final Four berth, the resolution mentioned Hillsboro’s All-Frontier Athletic Conference and All-Southeast District honors; their first district championship in 25 years; and the first regional title in program history.
“The Hillsboro Lady Indians softball team has brought pride, unity and inspiration to Highland County and continues to be a model of athletic excellence and community spirit,” Roades read from the proclamation. “The Highland County Board of Commissioners do hereby congratulate and commend the Hillsboro Lady Indians softball team for their historic 2025 season and extends its deepest appreciation to the players, the coaches, and the families and supporters who have contributed to this extraordinary achievement.”
Then, on Thursday evening, Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha invited the Lady Indians representatives to stand and be recognized, as he read a proclamation in their honor. He called attention to their “Why Not Us? mantra” in the proclamation, as Spruell and Stanforth both wore their Final Four shirts with the team motto on the back.
“The players and coaches embodied the inspiring team mantra, ‘Why Not Us,’ a phrase that became the driving force behind their historic journey and united them in belief, confidence and determination,” Harsha read from the city’s proclamation.
Much like the county’s proclamation, the city highlighted the team’s accomplishments over this past spring, while it also emphasized the team’s impact on the community. During the Lady Indians’ unprecedented tournament run, numerous businesses and individuals showed support for the team, either by traveling to their games — with the closest game of the postseason being over 70 miles away — or through signs, sponsorships or social media posts of support.
“The 2024-25 Hillsboro Lady Indians softball team has brought great pride to the City of Hillsboro and has become a source of inspiration for student athletes throughout the region,” Harsha read from the proclamation. “We honor your talent, your dedication and your trailblazing achievements. The City of Hillsboro applauds your championship spirit and celebrates the legacy you and your coaches have created.”
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