Aliso Niguel’s softball team has kicked off its season once again after five months of off-season practice. Both the team and the students outside of it are excited for what is to come in their season. Their off-season practice has been rigorous, setting them up for success.
One team they have competed against is Mater Dei High School in an away game. The Wolverines took home a win, beating their team by 7-4. Other teams they have played against so far have been La Mirada, Esperanza, Hamilton, South Hills, Murrieta Mesa, Salpointe Catholic, Bishop Amat, and Brea Olinda.
Although their schedule is very busy, they still find time to enjoy the friendships they have created through this sport. All the hard work they put in bonds the girls together and makes them feel a deep connection through the sport.
Amanda Elkins (10), varsity softball player, says, “Softball has given me so many friendships that I have come to value a lot. I think a large part of what brings us together is the understanding we have with each other about the sport. Sometimes I find that people do not understand why my schedule is the way it is, or why I have to do certain things for the sport.”
Not only do the girls build such strong friendships with each other, but they also feel very connected to their coaches. Elkins expresses how comfortable she is in the team, and how her coaches push them to be the best they can without overdoing it. With 2 people running 17 players, the work that the coaches put into making the players feel like individuals is very impressive.
Currently, the team holds a 4-8 record, but holds high expectations for their upcoming games. The players are pushing themselves harder than ever at the peak of their season to ensure their success in the future.
Cenyao Huang (10) says, “This season has been really successful for us so far; we have been playing a lot of hard teams.”
All the hard work they are putting in shows the values and personalities of the players. The extreme effort they have to pour into this sport takes an abundance of passion and determination.
Huang says, “Since we have been playing such hard teams, it has made me put in a lot of hard work, and that made me realize how dedicated I am to this sport. It has taught me a lot of valuable lessons about how I should give things in my life all I’ve got. I even think it helps me in school by giving me motivation, knowing that I get to do something I genuinely enjoy. I’m really glad I chose to do softball, especially with this team.”
Ultimately, the Aliso Niguel softball program has been excelling in its sport, holding third place in the South Coast League. Although their record favors losses currently, they maintain a positive outlook on the season. Everyone on campus is rooting for the Softball team and their countless wins to come.
