Softball tryouts are over and it’s time to get to work. With new faces joining the team and a roster full of seasoned players, expectations are high as the team takes to the field.
Head Coach Alyssa Thompson gave some details on what skills were tested during tryouts.
The future softball girls were to drill on infield, outfield, throwing, base running (home > 1st base, home > 2nd base, home > 3rd base, and home base), hitting and bunting, pitching, catching, and do a live scrimmage (situational awareness and softball IQ).
Thompson said she is looking forward to for this upcoming season and how she is feeling going forward to the softball season.
“I am looking forward to seeing how the talent in our entire program continues to grow and improve, watching our girls succeed and build relationships with each other along with Coach (Katelyn) Richbourg, Coach (Emily) Ramsey and myself,” Thompson said. “I feel excited about this season. It’s the best time of the year and if the girls come out and show us the talent they truly have, the sky’s the limit.”
She also gives us a little insight on what they will be working on to make their performances and plays better during their training time.
“We are working on all the things – team defense, baserunning, situational awareness, communication, consistency, and strength,” Thompson said. “We continue to lift throughout the season, mostly for injury prevention, speed training and maintaining the strength that has been built during off season.”
Lastly, Thompson talks about how to keep the hope of the team up and let them know that they are one family.
“We are carrying last year’s motto, “Level Up”, into everything we do this year. Our goal is to never be satisfied with where we are and continue “leveling up” as the season goes on,” Thompson said. “Additionally, we are adding a focus on “Hold the Rope” this season. Holding the rope for your teammates is essentially about trust.
“It means that every girl should strive to be someone all their team members can count on in high pressure situations when the stakes are high. We believe that every person should be able to depend on every single one of their teammates like family when something is needed – whether that is scoring a run, making an out, picking each other up after an error, etc.”
The team is looking forward to going into the new season and to defend last year’s season.