Softball season is upon us, with that comes the new challenges and victories for this upcoming season. I had a chance to dive deep into our school’s very own PVHS softball team to find out that there is more meaning behind this sport than just throwing the ball and running bases, it’s about becoming a team.

I had the opportunity to interview the head coach Sammy Charles to get his input and thoughts about this season. According to Coach Charles, he is looking forward to watching the girls become more bonded every year saying, “What I am looking forward to most is watching the girls grow up not only as a team and within the sport but as young women as well… Just watching the girls progress as a team and becoming their own person makes me feel very special to be able to be a part of that.” Coach Charles’ biggest goal for the game this season is speed; the speed of the game is what we want to work on. “You want to make fast pitches and work on running and the speed of the ball.” But, at the end of the day, all Coach asks for is that his players compete to the best of their ability when given the opportunity to do so.

On the downfall the team does have a few seniors leaving, meaning we will need a few of the JV girls to step it up and pick up the slack. For some of the lasting memories and plays, these girls will leave out on the field as they step up to the next chapter in their lives. I also had the opportunity to interview one of the seniors, Deeanna Egan (Dee Dee), who is the catcher and has been involved with this sport for four years. Egan has had a pretty impressive career in the past 4 years. In her freshman year, she took the home State with her team, leading it with a very impressive score. But what would have to be the biggest goal she has to accomplish with being a part of this sport is the bonding. Most of these girls have been playing together since they were 6 and 7 and have grown into a team that is way more than just a team it’s a “family” according to Egan.  

Additionally, I also had an opportunity to interview a freshman who just started playing softball, Ashley Clemente, who plays left field and her goal for this season is just to improve. She stated, “I know I am young and don’t know the ins and outs of the game, but I want to do my best to improve and hopefully one day make varsity and even go to State.” 

Getting to talk to all 3 of these amazing, not only athletes but human beings themselves, I learned that team means far more than the surface definition. These are bonds that you make for life when you step out into the field, you count and depend on these girls to hold their own but also hold yours as well. With that said, I am looking forward to watching and following these girls throughout this season and watching them make everlasting memories together as one.