Southeast Alamance Debuts Varsity Softball as Eastern Rivalry Decides Playoff Berths

Southeast Alamance staged the first varsity softball game in school history on Feb. 26 at the Stallions’ home field against Clover Garden School, launching a program led by Tiffany Helton, who “spent several years helping build Eastern Alamance into one of the state’s top programs.” Late‑February conference tournaments across the county also wrapped up and determined the regional and state playoff berths that will shape the spring postseason.

The Stallions enter softball competition as members of the Mid‑Carolina Conference, bringing a roster that, according to the team’s current listing on MaxPreps, includes two seniors — Tameya Pope and Yanelia Lopez — and a core of juniors such as Kailyn Richardson, Brooke Hardister, Carlie Austin, and Amarie Contreras. One junior transfer, Anna Thomas, figures to play a prominent role after hitting .500 last season at Eastern with six runs, four hits, two doubles, and three RBIs. Juniors Shaniya Paylor and Addison Reich are expected to join the roster after their girls basketball season; Reich batted .333 in limited action as a freshman at Eastern.

Eastern Alamance arrives at the postseason with recent pedigree and expectations. The program, described as “a recent Class 3‑A power,” finished the cited season 13‑9 overall and 8‑3 in Central Conference play, placing second behind Western Alamance, the East Region champion. Eastern was dethroned as NCHSAA 3A softball champions in 2022, and Newsoforange noted that “this spring Danny Way’s squad will be looking to return to the top of the Central Conference while making another deep playoff run.”

The first varsity season at Southeast is playing out against a backdrop of district realignment and a rapidly intensifying local rivalry. The new Southeast district pulls parts of what was Eastern’s district, while other schools in the new district splintered off from Southern Alamance, a longtime Eastern rival. Rivalry marketing has already appeared in the community: T‑shirts dubbing the matchup the “Beast of the East,” featuring both teams’ helmets and produced in two color variations, were designed in part by Kim Aguilar, wife of Southeast football coach Tony Aguilar. Southeast athletics director B.J. Condron said, “Hope it hypes it up a little bit.”

Local buzz shows up in voices from the field and the stands. Eastern defensive end Javontae Poteat predicted heavy turnout, saying, “I’m pretty sure the whole town of Mebane will be there,” and adding, “A new program, they’re pulling pieces from all sides... We’re not giving them an easy time no matter the circumstances. We’re trying to win the game.” Eastern coach and athletics director John Kirby captured another aspect of the rivalry’s stakes when he said, “That will probably fund their athletic department for the whole year,” reflecting how gate receipts and merch can matter for underfunded school programs.

Beyond scores and shirts, Southeast’s debut raises questions about access and resource distribution in Alamance County athletics. The Stallions’ roster leans heavily on underclassmen development and a handful of upperclass leaders, and the district reshuffle means communities formerly aligned with Eastern will now press for equitable funding, coaching and facilities. As Southeast “begins its fortunes on the softball diamond,” county athletic directors and school boards will face concrete choices about sustaining girls sports, staffing, and playoff travel budgets that determine whether this inaugural season becomes a lasting opportunity for young athletes.

With conference tournaments deciding region and state paths in late February, Southeast’s new program under Helton and Eastern’s playoff ambitions will test community support, coaching depth, and district resources as the spring postseason unfolds.