Softball Off to Fast Start on Season, Looking to Continue Success

The Westside Warriors Softball Team has been shot out of a cannon to begin this season. They are winning games left and right and turning many heads while doing it. A lot of things contribute to turning things around. One of those things that Coach TJ Eadus-Leapley expects is trust.

“Our girls are starting to trust what we are trying to build,” Eadus Leapley said. “With the success they’ve had they are starting to believe in themselves and that is a powerful thing.”

Eadus-Leapley also thinks that the team is handling the coaching change very well. 

At first players and families were unsure of what was going to happen,” Eadus-Leapley. “I come off strong, maybe unfriendly, and my coaching is different from what players and parents are used to. As different as it is for them and with our growing success I have no doubts that our staff is fully embraced.”

With such success so far this year, a lot of people in the community are starting to take notice of softball.

“Our girls are fighters and they are having fun again,” Eadus-Leapley. “We’re competing in every game and several games have come down to the last at-bat and we’ve won the game. These girls and the games are entertaining and they would love all the support they could get from their community.”

With great coaches also comes great players. Senior Mia Lund has been doing exceptionally well this year. She wants the community to take notice.

“Changes are being seen by former Westside Softball players, families, and our admin,” Lund said. “We have the proof to say that our program is being turned around.”

With how well this team is doing, Lund is expecting a deep season run into districts.

“As the season progresses, I am really looking forward to winning a lot of games and then eventually districts, to see how that will play out,” Lund said. “Our goal is to win our district and get back to state, so I can’t wait to see how that unfolds and watch our hard work pay off!”

Westside is coming off a strong tournament win in Blair. They also won runner up at the Omaha Gross tournament. The last time they placed at a tournament was 2015. They will look to continue their success against Marian on Monday, Sept 9.