The Westside Varsity Softball team will start their season on Tuesday, Aug.20, against Lincoln North Star in a Jamboree game. The team reflects on their past season as they made it to state last year and unfortunately didn’t have the ending they wanted. The team is young and the future is bright.
Last fall the softball team had a winning record of 24-10 and are striving to continue their success this season. Junior shortstop Emma Kauffman explains how the team practices to make sure they compete at their highest level.
“Practices are a lot harder and more challenging than games, our coaching staff tries to give us many reps every practice,” Kauffman said. “We are very disciplined and focused to make sure we can do our best when we are playing.”
The team practices everyday but Sunday preparing for the upcoming games. During the summer the softball team worked during the off season to strengthen their bonds but also their skills. Coach Mike Leapley explains practice and what they are doing to make sure they will go further in state this year.
“Practices are fast paced and up-tempo. They are tough for our girls but in a good way,” Leapley said. “Our mindset is that we can and will, we also preach not to think so much. But just to play the softball game and have fun.”
As the girls said goodbye to their 2024 seniors they welcomed three new freshmen to the varsity team – Temperance Barlette, Josie Sanderford and Greenlee Wulf. Even though the team has only been practicing for about two weeks with the freshman, they have had a big impact on the team. Junior catcher Hadley Hansen explains their impact on the team.
“I think that the freshmen this year have done a great job of quickly picking up how we do things at Westside,” Hansen said. All the girls are incredible teammates and I can’t wait to see what they contribute to the future of Westside Softball.”
Coach Leapley put the three freshmen on the varsity team for a reason. He explains why he gave them a spot on the team. But not only were new players introduced to the team but also welcomed two new female assistant coaches.
“We added three freshmen to the team this year, that will help this program for years to come. They can really ball, so look out,” Leapley said. “I thought bringing new coaches that were female would benefit the girls; they now have not only a male coaching staff to support them.”
The whole varsity team really looks up to their new coaches, Mak Pankers and Kim Dana. Hadley Hansen explains how they have really benefited them from being on the coaching staff.
“I think the addition of two female coaches helped inspire our team by being women who not only played in college but understand what it is like to be a female athlete,” Hansen said.
As the season is right around the corner Leapley, and some of the starting players talk about the team’s strengths and how they feel about the upcoming games.
“I feel really excited about the upcoming season. It comes and goes so fast; We have a great group of ladies from the junior varsity team to the varsity team,” Leapley said. “The schedule will help us get better. Competition is good to have. We are ambitious and ready.”
Hansen also talks about the schedule and how it will be tough. But she believes the team is ready to go.
“I am beyond excited for this upcoming season. We all want our place back in the spotlight,” Hansen said. “We have exceedingly high goals, as we all have something to prove.”
Kauffman also explains that she is ready for the team to jump into the season. As she is excited but also sees potential.
“The upcoming schedule will be tough, but I think we will be able to pull through as practices have been going really well,” Kauffman said. “I am very excited for this season and what is to come.”
After going 0-2 in state, Leapley talks about his goals for the team’s season. He expresses how ready he is for games to start.
“I hope we have a repeat of last season and of course, get to state and get a few more wins,” Leapley said. “We will face challenges from winning and losing those tough games by a run or two, but we are ready.”
The softball team will be in action on Tuesday in Lincoln but their first official game will be on Thursday Aug.22. against the reigning 2023 State Champions, Papillon La-Vista.
