Hey EPHS! Are you ready for an exciting upcoming softball season? In this article, we’ll explore the upcoming season, highlighting some of the returning players, shedding some light on the teams season last year and their upcoming season this year, as well as some coach insight. Let’s get ready for this upcoming season and cheer on our girls as they give it their all this season!
Last season
Last year’s softball season was undoubtedly one for the books, marking it as one of their best seasons in a while. Securing wins became sort of a second nature for the team as they were given the All-Conference title. Despite the great season, their Regional victory slipped out of the teams grasp by one point, setting the stage for greater things in this upcoming season.
Personal Interviews with Players
Gianna Velazquez:
Q: What are your goals for this year’s softball season?
“Some goals for this season are to have a winning record, win conference, and hopefully win the regional title.”
Q: What do you think will be the biggest challenge for this season?
“I think that the biggest challenges for this season would be players playing out of their normal positions.”
Q: What position do you play? Can you describe it?
“I normally play shortstop but for this upcoming high school season I am playing first. I love playing short because there is lots of movement and you are the captain of the infield. I also enjoy playing first because you are involved with lots of the plays during the game and can use your flexibility to catch your teammates throws.”
Q: How long have you been playing softball?
“I’ve been playing softball since I was 4 years old and I learned to love it as it has also helped me create some of the best friendships. I have also been playing for the high school team all three years and been on varsity for two years.”
(G. Velazquez, personal communication, March 7, 2024.)
Maria Brown:
Q: What are your goals for this year’s softball season?
“One goal that I have is to hopefully we can win regionals but equally be able to have fun this season.”
Q: What do you think will be the biggest challenge for this season?
“Playing out of position might be a challenge for our team this year but, I know we will adjust.”
Q: What position do you play? Can you describe it?
“I normally play second base for club but for high school season I play outfield. I really enjoy the outfield during high school season because it gives me the opportunity to learn a new position and be able to play either if I need to.”
Q: How long have you been playing softball?
“I have been playing softball since I was 5 years old. I love the sport and can’t wait for this season.”
(M. Brown, personal communication, March 7, 2024)
Carole Akers:
Q: What are your goals for this year’s softball season?
“My goal for this season is I want to win all the conferences again and my main goal is to win that regional game we lost by one point last season.”
Q: What do you think will be the biggest challenge for this season?
“I think the biggest challenge we are going to face this season is the new coaches we got this year. We had a really good bond with our coaches last year so it’s going to be hard.”
Q: What position do you play? Can you describe it?
“I am a catcher for the varsity team. My job is to run the game, I call the pitches and tell the field where to throw the ball.”
Q: How long have you been playing softball?
“I have been playing softball all throughout my childhood. I am a multi-sport athlete and love softball.”
(C. Akers, personal communication, March 7, 2024)
Jessie Craig:
Q: What are your goals for this year’s softball season?
“My goals for this season is to win conference for the third year in a row and hopefully win regionals too. I think we have the potential to have a very successful season.”
Q: What do you think will be the biggest challenge for this season?
“We have a pretty good group of girls but I think our biggest challenge for this season will be maintaining motivation and positivity during tough games and practices.”
Q: What position do you play? Can you describe it?
“I’ve played center field on varsity since my freshman year of high school. I didn’t know that I wanted to play center until the summer of 8th grade. I realized how much I loved the outfield and started playing center for both school and travel. I enjoy playing center field because you have a lot of ground to cover and you are the captain of the outfield.”
Q: How long have you been playing softball?
“I’ve been playing softball since I was 6 years old. I’ve grown up playing Softball and have made so many amazing friendships and memories through this sport. I am very passionate and grateful for softball. It’s definitely my favorite sport and I enjoy pushing myself to get better each day.”
(J. Craig, personal communication, March 7, 2024)
Coach’s insight
Q: What advice would you give to up and coming players?
“Positive attitude is everything! Softball is such a fun community of girls and we really love to support one another, so it’s important to keep that positive attitude. Make sure you also are super coach-able! Us coaches love to see improvements over the years, and that only happens if you are able to listen to us! :)”
Q: How do you think this season will play out for the softball program as a whole?
“I think both JV and Varsity will have winning records! I also think Varsity will win regionals and Sectionals and have the opportunity to go to State! We have some really talented girls this year.”
Q: Why did you decide to be a softball coach?
“I really love being involved in extracurricular’s at school because you get to know students on such a different level, and softball is what I played growing up, so I knew I could help the program succeed.”
Q: What do you consider the teams biggest strength?
“I think our girls really work well together as a team and are always there to support one another. We also have some amazing hitters and fielders which helps ensure we WIN.”
(V. Cleys, personal communication, March 6, 2024)
The Upcoming Season:
With softball season underway and with a new addition to the team, Coach Tsagalis, there is a lot of anticipation and excitement for this season. The girls have been really putting in the work during off season training, and now with the season officially started, the team is eager to win the regional title. With an overall record of 20-8 and a conference record of 9-1, this team has quite the shot at a regional title this year!
This team is one to watch out for this season with their profound sense of determination, off-season training, and the bond they have as a whole team. Their first home game returning from spring break is on April 11th against Westmont at 4:30. Be there!
Sources:
(C. Akers, personal communication, March 7, 2024.)
(G. Velazquez, personal communication, March 7, 2024.)
(J. Craig, personal communication, March 7, 2024.)
(M. Brown, personal communication, March 7, 2024.)
(V. Cleys, personal communication, March 6, 2024.)
