The Pahrump Valley High School softball team is more than just playing and winning. Playing softball is way more than you think. The team is what makes you stronger. When you play softball, you will start to see that the team is like a big family. The PVHS softball teams’ shirts represent what they are. T- Teamwork, R-Resilient, O-One Family. J-Job Oriented, A-Attitude, N-No Excuses, and S -Selfless. They wear these words on the back of their shirts to represent who they are, and to play their parts on and off the field.
The true value of softball is more than the victory or a loss in a game. The bonds you make between your team and coaches are what it’s about. When you play, and you know your team has your back, it will give you this strong feeling that you’re doing something right. It gives you a special sense of confidence. Junior, Sadie Freeman said, “I show good sportsmanship by cheering a player up after a bad play to tell them it is not that serious, and it was just a little mistake that can be fixed.”
Every player has a role on a team. The pitcher and catcher both set the pace, starting and going, while the infielders and outfielders make plays to keep it still. Teamwork isn’t just about the skills you have, but it’s also about the effort you put into the team.
Being around your teammates creates a bond among each other while having each other’s backs. This trust can give us positive mindsets, a good mood, and it makes it more fun on the field. The trust could also create long-term friendships, which build each other up on and off the field.
In order to be successful, you need to have good sportsmanship and leadership on the field. Senior Madison Rodriguez said, “My advice would be to put in a lot of effort and try your best out there, always have a good attitude, even if it’s hard, because it will get better.”
When a teammate makes a mistake, for example, striking out or making a bad throw. It brings the player down with a bad mindset. People say encouraging words to make them know that it is okay to make a mistake and to try again. This is what truly defines softball.
To be a hard-working player, you will also need to rest. You can’t give 100% with a sore arm or legs. Freshman Jaelyn Rodriguez-Gomez said, “To prepare myself before a game, I always give myself confidence and rest my arm to be ready.”
Partnership is what makes the team. If the players fail, the coaches fail. We are equals. Coaches teach discipline, but they are also your friends. They will motivate you and show you the values of respect and sportsmanship. The coaches at PVHS understand the importance of building the team to make it stronger each year. The bonds you make with the coaches and team are on the field, and maybe even off the field. Coaches are good role models for a softball team. They are someone to be a guide to success. Next time you doubt softball, remember it’s more than just how much you get to play.
