As the year comes to a close, ANHS softball continues to be persistent in their hard work and dedication on and off the field. Their determination has reflected in their performance, having an overall record of 14-12-1.
In league play, the team posted a 3-4 record, landing them in 67th place in Southern Section. Throughout the season, the players displayed consistent effort, solid teamwork and a strong mentality, even when faced with challenging opponents.
They are currently sixteenth in Southern Section II Division, and they are in the top 140 of all California team rankings.
One of the season’s biggest highlights recently was a string of key wins late in the schedule. The team notched recent victories against Tesoro, Mission Viejo and Dana Hills, showcasing their ability to come together when it mattered most. These wins boosted morale and showed the team’s potential to compete at a high level.
Another memorable moment came during the team’s Senior Night, where the program celebrated its graduating players. The night was filled with emotion and appreciation, as teammates, coaches, families and friends honored the seniors for their dedication and leadership throughout their high school careers.
Olvia Kuhnel (12), shares, “As seniors, we have done a really good job in fostering a good culture for the underclassmen after we leave the team. It has been really cool seeing the underclassmen playing for you because they realize how much hard work we put into being successful.”
Ella Huago (12), adds, “Softball has given me some of my best memories and lifelong friends. I’m excited for what’s coming next as we move into college and continue playing softball.”
A total of five seniors are graduating as a part of the graduating class of ‘25. Their senior night was marked by a fascinating win against Dana Hills, 11-0.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for its upcoming game on May 6 against Capistrano Valley. With momentum from recent wins and a motivated roster, the team is eager to close out their campaign with another strong performance.
The work that girls’ softball have devoted to the team goes typically unseen. They consistently practice for numerous hours after school on top of their academics and other extracurriculars. Girls on the team are nothing short but an incredible representation of what ANHS students strive to be like.
Throughout the season, the team faced a variety of challenges, from tough matchups to close losses, but consistently showed resilience. They have improved their communication on the field, tightened up their defense and produced timely hits when it counted. Their wins reflect both their skill and passion.
As the season comes to a close, there’s a lot to be proud of. The team not only posted a winning record but also demonstrated what it means to play with integrity, passion and pride. With underclassmen gaining valuable experience and a solid foundation built by this year’s leaders, the future looks bright for the program.