By Ken Hansard
As the Eisenhower Tigers prepare for another softball season, senior catcher and third baseman Elleigh Tarpley is ready to lead the way. A veteran presence behind the plate, Tarpley enters her final high school season determined to leave a lasting mark on the program while helping guide a new generation of Tigers.
Tarpley has already been part of one of the program’s biggest achievements. As a freshman, she helped Eisenhower reach the 2023 state championship game, finishing as state runner-up and AVCTL (Division 2) champs that same season. “Being part of the state runner-up team my freshman year was an amazing experience,” Tarpley said. “I want the younger girls to be able to experience that as well.”
Over the past few seasons, Tarpley has developed into one of the team’s most dependable defensive players. Her efforts have been recognized with multiple honors, including 2024 Honorable Mention All-League at third base and 2025 Second Team All-League catcher. She sees those achievements as motivation for an even stronger senior campaign. “Last year being awarded second team catcher was a huge accomplishment, but it’s also a motivator to push for first team this year.”
Tarpley embraces the leadership role that naturally comes with being a senior and playing catcher. “As a catcher, you’re taught to lead the team, be the most vocal, and be someone teammates can come to with questions or concerns. I see myself stepping into that leadership role this season.”
After an 11-16 season last year, the Tigers are hoping to bounce back with a competitive roster that includes a mix of promising freshmen and experienced returners. Tarpley believes the team has the pieces to make a deep postseason run. Personally, she has lofty goals for her final year, including improving her offensive production. “I plan on having the best season of my life. I want to hit .400 or above, be the best leader I can for the younger players, and be such a force behind the plate that runners are afraid to test me.”
In the end, Tarpley talked more about her role with the team and, inspired by the tragic passing of Coach Amber Brunswig this past June, her desire to give back to the program and leave her legacy, “I want to keep Coach Brunswig’s legacy strong. She was such a huge part of my life and the lives of so many girls in the Wichita area. In so many ways, we are playing for her.”
Following graduation, Tarpley will continue her softball career at Barton Community College, where she plans to major in kinesiology and eventually earn a doctorate in physical therapy.
