Batesville High School

Batesville High School is excited to announce that Stacey Kessens will lead the softball program into the 2026-27 school year. The new head coach is familiar to the program both as a player and assistant coach. Coach Kessens graduated from BHS in 2008 and was a decorated player for the program. The 4-year varsity letter winner was a 3-time All-Conference player and was a 2008 Academic All-State selection. She later returned as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs from 2017-2021. “It is great to have a former standout player back in the fold to lead the program,” BHS athletic director Bryan Helvie commented. “Stacey’s passion for the game of softball, and specifically Batesville softball, will be a driving influence moving the program forward. “We are excited for what is ahead under the leadership of Coach Kessens,” he added. The avid softball player is looking forward to her new role. “To go from playing here as a high schooler and accomplishing so many milestones to now leading this program — it's full circle moment in the best possible way,” Kessens commented. “I have so much love for Batesville softball. I'm humbled and fired up to lead this program into the future.” The Bulldogs seem primed to take the next step, and Kessens is looking forward to the opportunity to get them there. “I'm most excited about building something — a culture where these student-athletes are pushed to be their best, on the field and off it,” she commented. “I want players to look back on their time in this program as one of the best experiences of their high school days and elevate Batesville softball to be a formidable opponent every night out.” Kessens received a degree in Business Management from Purdue University in 2012 and is currently employed at Batesville Casket.