After a busy offseason filled with open gyms, and conditioning, the softball team enters the spring season with confidence and optimism.
Coming off a season that didn’t quite go their way, the team returns with hope for a better season, fueled by motivation. In their offseason not only did they sharpen their skills, but they also they built better connections with each other, on and off the field. That chemistry has already been shown through the variety of preseason preparation.
Looking ahead of the season, there is lots of excitement about what the season will bring. Senior Aubrey Stark shares that she is especially excited and eager to see how the season unfolds as she enters her final year.
“Personally, I am very excited to see what is going to happen this upcoming year. My little sister and I will both be on the team and I think it will be a fun dynamic we will share as pitcher and catcher,” Stark said.
While the team has some key spots to fill after the graduating seniors, Stark believes this group is ready to step up and take on those roles. She highlights how their team dynamic has changed over the offseason, saying that with the open gyms twice a week their bond has grown and they have become more united and developed into a stronger team.
For the first time this program has incorporated weightlifting and strength training to their routine. Along with that, they had bi weekly open gyms where they worked on their skills for both hitting and fielding.
There will also be some new faces stepping into important positions this season. With around five incoming freshmen, the competition will be high as many players battle for varsity roles. The team is looking to fill some gaps in the outfield, second base, as well as third base. Along with freshmen taking those roles, they are looking to call up some experienced players on junior varsity to take on those responsibilities.
Beyond the wins and losses, the team connection remains a main goal, senior Sadie Lohmueller emphasized that one of the team’s biggest priorities is staying connected on the field through clean play and strong communication.
“I am most excited about spending time with my teammates,” Lohmueller said. “Our team has such a special bond and we have so much fun, so I am looking forward to spending even more time with the entire team.”
With physical preparation, strong relationships, and new players, the team is excited and hopeful for the upcoming season. They are confident the bond they built will translate into a great and successful season. As the season quickly approaches their focus remains the same, not only focusing on the physical aspect but also their team bond and chemistry. The group believe they are setting a foundation for a season defined by growth, and unity.
