Despite major changes in team structure, the softball team has navigated through challenges to build team unity, resulting in a 12-7 record, continuing to improve from last season’s 10-9 record.
Originally, the softball program was separated into JV and varsity teams. This year, due to a limited number of players trying out, the team was combined into one varsity team. Along with a new coach, Clifford Smith, the shift forced players to quickly adjust while still aiming to improve from last season.
Smith, known as “Woody” by the team, shifted the team’s strategy. Drawing from his experience playing travel softball, he introduced a new perspective that proved beneficial for the players.
Immediately, the team had to adjust to the less-experienced players by slowing down practices according to their skill levels, such as batting with slower balls. This allowed new players to adjust to playing on a varsity team and catch up to the rest of the girls. The skill difference was short-lived, and eventually the team learned to play cohesively.
The singular team provided opportunities for players to bond with one another, which was especially important given that there were six new members. Senior captain Emily Liu, who experienced this change from last season, said that this season, the team was “more like a family.”
Players built team spirit through themed spirit days, including twin day, pink-out, blackout, cowboy and white lies themes. Additionally, the girls hosted team breakfasts, lunches and dinners to create unity amongst the team off the field.
On the field, players cheered on their teammates from the dugout, maintaining energy and confidence during difficult moments. This encouraged players to perform to the best of their ability. “Verbal encouragement for my team makes a big difference in the way they play,” sophomore Justice Key, one of the varsity players, said.
Another major factor in team success was leadership by the captains: Liu, senior Caroline Min and junior Megan Smith. They provided the team with friendly guidance by ensuring the team stayed on task during practices and mentorship sessions for new players. As they helped the team grow, Key said that this year, she felt “like [the captains] were people I can come talk to, but also people that I respected.”
One of the team’s biggest highlights was their game against Churchill. After falling behind 8-0 in the third inning, freshman Meryl Brown’s success at her first varsity at bat increased the team’s energy, leading to the team rallying together and winning 20-11.
The comeback reflected the team’s mental improvement from the previous year. “Last season, if the score didn’t look the best, we kind of gave up on the game. But this year, despite being down at some points, we kept fighting back,” Key said.
Although the season showed significant improvement, players still hope to continue growing next year by bringing more intensity and focus to practices.
