By Jenna Baker and Mateo Menjivar
The varsity softball team has started their season strong this year with a 9-3 record as of Monday. They are currently on an eight win streak. Last year’s teams went to playoffs and the girls are feeling confident about their chances this year.
As they reach the midway point of their season, the competition has become more impressive, especially as the team looks to playing teams again.
Coach Ivan Garcia expressed his appreciation for the team’s natural way of leading.
“We have good leadership. They are strong, therefore there is no need for titles. Titles do not make a leader, actions do,” Garcia said.
Coach Garcia expects his players to hold themselves accountable for their actions and to constantly be aware of themselves. Garcia is overall very focused on building his team without focusing on anyone but the players.
“My favorite thing about this team is the camaraderie they have. Every squad is different and unique. This team has found a way to challenge themselves, uplift each other, and hold one another accountable,” Garcia said.
The team attributes much of their success to camaraderie with their teammates. This bond that the girls share helps them connect both on and off the field. By connecting off the field, they understand each other and communicate better during gameplay.
There are several team bonding activities which can even include simply riding on the bus together to and from games.
“I spend time with my teammates in school and outside of school to know that we can be ourselves and hang out but also do better during games,” sophomore Samantha Esparza said.
Most of the softball players on the school team also take part in a travel team off season. These outside teams help the girls to be even more competitive. However, many of the players find the school team to be a breath of fresh air, having much more fun with their school teammates.
The team is hopeful that they will make it to playoffs this year and see their many victories bring them home the trophy.
They play at against Chatsworth High School at home today at 3:00 p.m. so head out to the field to cheer them on.
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