The Westside softball team is heading to the postseason after their last regular season games. On Thursday the girl beat Millard South 13-5 in 6 innings. But they are looking to the future to continue their season into state. 

The girls are seeded second in the A-3 district at Millard North. They will take on Central for their first game and will try and continue through the bracket. Coach Mike Leapley knows the girls will try their best to continue their season into state. 

“I do believe that we will be able to win the millard north district,​​ The team has to believe in each other and have the mindset that they can compete with anyone. The past is the past. We have been here before and act like we have. It’s going to be a battle. I know we can do it,” Leapley said. 

The Warriors seek to go to state for a consecutive 2 years in a row. Sophomore Kalista Rich has high hopes for the rest of the season, and knows they will at least win the game against Central.  

“I know that we will be able to take the first win against Central, but the Millard North game will be tougher,” Rich said. “I want to be able to help my team by pitching but also by not just hitting the ball but also having timely hits to put runs on the board.” 

Coach Mike Leapley has been preparing the girls for this moment all season. They have modified the way they have been practicing since a tough couple loses against Elkhorn South and Millard North. 

“The team knows what it takes. We have been here before, and they have to act like they have been. It’s a new season starting in districts,” Leapley said.

This could be the final games for the 3 seniors on the team, and the last time they will play softball. The girls have had tough loses this season but have also had great wins. There are many moving parts and pieces to their success. Senior Amaya Labs expresses what she believes is what gives the team success. 

“We get success from working together, and being a close family with strong relationships on and off the field,” Labs said. “I know when I am playing the other 8 girls on the field are playing for me, so I play for them.” 

There are many things to think about while playing, but the mindset is key. The girls have to decide to win and that will lead them to success. Coach Leapley believes having a good mindset is the key. 

“Ultimately, your mindset can be a powerful driver of personal and professional success.” Leapley said “ A positive mindset encourages goal setting and perseverance, making it easier to stay focused and committed to your objective” 

Coach Leapley has added two new assistant coaches to the staff, they both have made strong relationships with the girls and want them to do their very best at districts. Coach Kim Dana, wants the girls to have the best rest of their season. 

“Our end goal is state. Every team has the goal to go to state but we need to get through districts. We need to take it one game at a time and focus on the things that we can control,” Dana said. 

Coach Mak Pankers also has the same goal and mindset for the girls. She talks about how the girls need to stay positive and do their thing on the field. 

“My goal for the team is to make sure the girls are in the right positive mindset and are mentally prepared to fight through districts,” Panker said. “As a coaching staff, we do our best to take the pressure off the girls with fast paced practices, that way when its game time the girls are ready to go”. 

The girls are going to have to fight through districts as they are currently 0-2 this season against Millard North. Rich talks about how the team is preparing as their end goal is state. 

“We are not just physically preparing but also mentally preparing by believing that we can win games, even if they are tough,” Rich said. 

Mindset is everything for this team, they need to be prepared mentally and physically to take the win at the A-3 district. Coach Dana explains how she and the other coaches on staff are preparing the girls mentally and physically. 

“We are preparing the girls mentally by trying to stay positive and build their confidence. Encouraging them when they fail and succeed,” Dana said. “Physically we will take a lot of reps these next few days before districts to try and sharpen up our defense.” 

The girls are going to do their very best at districts, catch them in action against Central in the A-3 district at 12pm on Oct.9.