The past seasons for the Wheeler softball team have not been super competitive or successful. My freshman year, the softball team was 2-9 (Win-Loss), sophomore year, we were 2-14 (Win-Loss), and last year we were 2-9-1 (Win-Loss-Tie). So, we had only won two games in the previous three seasons, and they were the same two teams, so we didn’t count them as wins. Freshman year, our coach was Coach Fitzgerald, and then Coach Collins was our coach for the next three years. We didn’t have that solid senior leadership in the past seasons, so it was hard for me to try hard and compete when the leaders didn’t motivate me. The team wasn’t as competitive and eager to win as I was, so I just waited for the right team to show up, and they did.

This season the team was 12-6 (Win-Loss), which was a dramatic change. We had six new players this year, five freshmen and one sophomore. This year we had twelve wins which was more than my last three years playing on the team. I asked Coach Collins and Coach Parker how this season was different from the past seasons, and Coach Collins said, “We won, and we had better players,” and Coach Parker said, “This season had more players that were committed to playing. The senior leadership was outstanding, ensuring the rest of the team was doing what they needed to succeed. Each player continued to get better as the season went on because of their work ethic.” I also asked some players the same question, and this is what they said, “This season was way better compared to previous years because this team felt way more connected and as a family, plus we won way more games” (Nia, 11). Senior Jordanae’ commented, “Compared to last season, I feel there was more dedication to win and more competition during our games this season.”

Since this season was way more competitive, the team now has higher standards for the next season. Maddie (10) shared, “I hope to make region play and win fifteen games overall as a team and to improve as a player personally as well.” Abby (10) also commented, “My goals for the team is to try for the playoffs, and my goal for myself is to just try to get better as a player and learn more.” Coach Parker said, “Our goal for the next season is to have another winning season and to make the state playoffs. We hope to continue to build on the success of this year’s seniors.”

The softball team has made history this season. Our record is the longest winning record in the last twenty years; coach Parker commented, “The 12-6 (Win-Loss) record was a huge deal to us as a team. No fastpitch team has had the same success in the last twenty years.” A winning record also comes with more recognition, and coach Collins said, “The team has earned respect, and this was a great start for the team and a building block.” Nia(11) said, “The season was the best season so far. I feel like we had more fun this season than in the last seasons, which were way more serious and cutthroat.” Maddie (10) commented, “I have realized that we are way stronger this season, and we had better players come in, so I really pushed myself this season to be better.” Emily (9) said, “With our seniors leaving, the hole will be big to fill, but I plan on following in their footsteps. Making sure that everyone is giving 110% effort and helping those that don’t understand something. This program is going to continue to grow and progress, so helping everyone be better and work harder is a great goal.” Hopefully, this next season the team accomplishes all their goals and fills the spots of the seniors. I’m proud of where this team finished, and I hope to see them do even better next year.