Pitch Preview: Habersham Central Lady Raiders

The Jeff LaBarbera era in Habersham has been exceptional. The Lady Raiders have won 79 games in the last eight seasons, winning back-to-back region titles and making the playoffs in six of those seven full seasons (excluding the COVID 2020 season).

Last year’s group reached the Elite 8 for the first time, and now must enter life without Paisley Cathey, the back-to-back BLITZ Player of the Year who’s already starring at the DI level this past fall. Still, a ton of talent is back, and more success is loading.

Preseason Info

2025 Record: 14-3; State Elite 8; Region Champions; #5 State Rank

Head Coach: Jeff LaBarbera (9th Season)

Returning Starters: 6

Key Departures: Paisley Cathey, Ansley Means, Grace Dooley, Annabelle Clark

Key Players: Meg LaBarbera, Madie Wilbanks, Eden Turner, Kelsie Campbell

Strengths: “We still have a good core of returning players that will help us this year,” says LaBarbera. “Our team is a tight-knit group that works hard for each other. That bond allows us to be successful each day in practice and on game nights.”

Team Goals/Expectations: “Our main goal is to stay competitive in the region and fight for another region title.”