COALGATE LADY WILDCATS
COACH: Josh Talley
Record: 8-18
OUTLOOK
As the Coalgate Lady Wildcats prepare for the 2025-26 season, new head coach Josh Talley steps into his first year leading the girls’ program with optimism, energy, and a clear defensive mindset. After finishing 8-18 a year ago, Coalgate is focused on development, chemistry, and carving out a new identity on both ends of the floor.
“We have four returning key players from last year’s team,” said Talley. “We’ll be trying to find our identity early, but as the season goes on, we should be better.”
Talley’s squad brings a mix of senior leadership and underclassman talent ready to rise to the occasion. Leading the way for the Lady Wildcats are seniors Destiny Grant (Sr.) and JoJo Lambert (Sr.), both expected to anchor the team with experience and poise. Their leadership will be critical as Coalgate looks to improve upon last season’s record and set the tone for a new era.
“Our focus will be on defense,” Talley emphasized. “We will rely heavily on it and try to use it to score points in transition.”
Among the talented group of returners are sophomores Tatum Nelson (So.), Natalie Delozier (So.), Abby Fuller (So.), and Candence George (So.)—a strong core that gained valuable varsity experience a year ago and now looks to take a big step forward.
Adding depth to the rotation are Sharity Bates (So.) and Harley Fortenberry, both versatile players who give the Lady Wildcats flexibility on the floor. Talley believes that as the season progresses, team chemistry and confidence will continue to build.
With returning experience, developing young talent, and a renewed commitment to defensive intensity, the Coalgate Lady Wildcats are poised to take meaningful strides in 2024-25 — a season built on growth, grit, and belief.
