Maiden softball will have big shoes to fill as the season gets underway.
“We lost several seniors from last year who were major contributors on this team for three years,” Coach Brian Legan said. “I feel that we have people in place who can step in and fill those roles.”
Junior pitcher Zaylee Teichroeb said she has been preparing to step up.
“I’ve been practicing three times a week,” Teichroeb said. “I’ve been preparing myself to be a leader.”
Senior third baseman Nola Seay said she is willing to fill any position needed.
“I need to do what is best for my team,” Seay said. “I can step up and take the role.”
Senior Monica Morin, who played first base last season, said she wants to encourage herself as well as her teammates.
“I’ve been preparing by taking practices more seriously,” Morin said. “I’ve been uplifting myself while also being a mentor to my teammatesl.”
Legan said he is confident that the players will adapt well.
“It will take time, but I’m confident that they will continue to work and get better,” Legan said. “That’s the best attribute of this team is how they work.”
Morin said that the team still has good communication and teamwork.
“Softball is always a team sport,” Morin said. “You can’t win by yourself, and I think we showed that when we played last year.”
Senior Valarie Reyes, who played second base last season, said the team has been putting in a lot of work.
“We’ve been practicing a lot,” Reyes said. “We worked during off season, in the summer and on weekends.”
Junior shortstop Sunni Casarez said she has been helping her teammates.
“I’ve been practicing with the new players and learning what helps them,” Casarez said, “so I can help them out during the games.”
Legan said the goal for the team will change each game.
“Goals for us will be measured by how much we improve from game to game,” Legan said. “We will look at from the start of the year through tournament season and then again when we start district play.”
Sophomore J’Cee Washington, who played outfield last season, said that training translates into a better mindset.
“I try to make sure that I’m prepared physically through practicing which helps me mentally,” Washington said. “I put in work at least 15 minutes a day whether it’s pitching or fielding.”
Morin said that the team has a history of playing together outside of school, so they have good communication and connection already.
“We all played softball together when we were younger,” Morin said. “I think it’ll be a very memorable season.”
The Maidens will host Muleshoe on Tuesday in the season opener at 5 p.m.
