The Riverton High School softball team gets to spend another year as the reigning Class 6A state champions. 

Once again, the Silverwolves came out on top of the 6A field at the state tournament, winning the crown and finishing the season with a glossy record of 31-5. To capture the state championship, Riverton beat region rival Bingham two out of three times in a three-day span. 

Head coach Whitley Haimin was ecstatic to guide her team to another title, but the girls’ accomplishment was exactly what she was expecting. 

“It’s surreal to go back-to-back, but honestly, it’s not a shock,” Haimin said. “These girls earned every bit of it. They’ve worked so hard on and off the field and truly deserve this moment. Being part of Riverton softball means something, and none of us takes it for granted. I’m so proud of the legacy they’re continuing and the one they’re leaving behind. This win isn’t just for us; it’s for our school, our families and everyone who shows up for our program.”

In the final round against Bingham—a talented team that Riverton beat twice during the regular season—the Silverwolves dropped the first game 3-1. In the double-elimination tournament, it was Riverton’s first loss, so the team stayed alive and had a rematch with the Miners the following day. 

This time, Riverton dispatched Bingham, prevailing 5-3. Riverton used a four-run fourth inning to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 advantage, and the Silverwolves held on from there. Maggie Hamblin drove in two runs and belted a home run for Riverton, while teammates Aspen Roberts and Grace Leary each hit doubles. 

However, it was Bingham’s first loss of the tournament, so the two schools met later in the day to decide who would emerge as the state champions. 

In an offensive battle, Riverton collected 13 hits to Bingham’s 12 and committed just one error. The Silverwolves trailed 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh but tallied five runs to clinch the top prize. It was Riverton’s fifth state championship, all of which have come since 2016. 

Hamblin hit a double and a home run while bringing in two other runs. Peyton Sanchez hit two doubles and had two RBI for the Silverwolves, and Leary had a triple and three RBI. 

“Every one of the 23 kids in our program played a role in this championship run,” Haimin said. “Whether they were starters, role players or dugout leaders, they each embraced their role and pushed this team to be better.”

Haimin singled out several standouts who performed exceptionally well during the state tournament. Sanchez, a junior pitcher, was the team’s anchor. Hamblin, a junior first baseman, was stellar from the plate and playing defense. Leary, a second baseman and just a freshman, made a big impact too. 

“[Sanchez] led our lineup in batting average, hits, doubles and home runs, turning last year’s gap shots into no-doubt bombs,” Haimin said. “Her poise and leadership gave our team confidence, and her humility makes her even more respected by her teammates. [Hamblin] dominated the state tournament offensively, leading in batting average (.550), home runs (5), RBIs (12) and more. Defensively, she didn’t make a single error all season. She was an unstoppable force. [Leary] came up huge in big moments, hitting .409 with nine RBIs in the postseason. She made game-changing defensive plays at second base and carried herself like a veteran.”

Seniors Camryn O’Farrell (a centerfielder), Brooke Tacke (catcher), Roberts (right field), Baylee Martinez (third base), Maycee Madsen (shortstop) and Taylor Jones (left field) were important leaders who played with poise. Freshmen Katelynn Flynn (pitcher) and Lexi Huntley (pitcher) added depth and gained valuable experience that Haimin will tap into next season and beyond. Sophomores Londyn Rentmeister (outfield) and Jaydan Bushman (shortstop) were reliable on the field and at the plate for Riverton. Haimin also appreciated the efforts of senior outfielder Alee Boulden.  

In addition, Haimin mentioned other contributors and acknowledged the part they played in helping Riverton capture yet another state championship. 

“Kenzie Anderson (JR), Addi Thompson (SO), Lindsey Strieby (SO), Kenley Haaga (SO), Zoe Hazlett (SO), Sadie Cannon (FR), Bre Mackay (FR) and Managers Hailee Strandgard and Nesia Lam were also keys,” Haimin said. “Every one of these players and managers brought something to the table. Whether it was keeping energy high in the dugout, challenging teammates at practice or stepping up in unexpected moments, they were all vital to this title.”

Winning a state championship is no easy task. Repeating as champions is an even taller order. Yet, the Silverwolves gave it their all each game and responded to every challenge in front of them. 

“Honestly, there’s no way to list everything these kids do well; they put in work that most people don’t even see,” Haimin said. “They grind on the field, in the classroom (with a team GPA of 3.7), in the weight room and on their own time. Many of them balance jobs or family responsibilities on top of being elite student-athletes. They’ve learned how to find joy in the grind. One of the biggest keys this year was leadership, especially vocal leadership. It really came alive in the championship series. We’ve always had kids who lead by example, but this year we also had voices step up when it mattered most.”

Haimin reflected on this group and how the 2025 Riverton softball team stacked up against the 2024 version. Many of the players on this past year’s team were on the 2024 squad. But there were also players from 2024 who graduated and weren’t part of this most recent group, and there were newcomers to the 2025 team as well. Still, Haimin saw both similarities and differences between the two champions. 

“It’s tough to compare because every season brings its own challenges,” she said. “There’s never anything easy about winning a championship. We lost some key leaders and role players from the 2024 team, but we also had a solid group return, and our new starters—whether upperclassmen or young newcomers—stepped up in big ways. What really sets this group apart is their culture. They don’t care if you’re a freshman or a senior—everyone matters, and everyone feels valued. Talent-wise, this team was deep. Literally every one of our players could make an impact on a varsity roster. Facing Bingham again in the finals felt like déjà vu—same opponent, same game-one result. But just like last year, we knew we could come back and win two the next day. That kind of resilience doesn’t happen by accident—it’s who these kids are.”

Will Riverton win a third title in a row and be the team to beat in 2026? There’s no reason to believe the Silverwolves won’t once again be a factor in the race for the top. 

“We’ll keep doing what’s made us successful: enjoying the grind and having fun in the process,” Haimin said. “Joy has been such a key piece of our culture these last two years, and we’ll continue to lean into that.” λ