Perseverance, dedication, and a good work ethic are all necessary traits to push through tough times. People with these traits, to a plentiful extent, aren’t the most common, but one can find them every so often, and in fact, there’s a whole team of them at this very school. After a tough season last year, UC High’s Girls Softball Team is looking to start their upcoming season off with a bang.
Varsity Head Coach Kelsey Jenkins stated, “Last season was a tough one. The team played some of the top teams in San Diego and we did not have the best outcome. However, I am very proud of the team’s dedication on the field, and their ‘never give up’ mentality. My players’ strengths lie in their hard work, dedication, and strong work ethic on the field and in the classroom.”
Of course, each player has their strengths. For example, Team Captain Senior Kennedy Maynard said, “Some of my strengths would have to be communication and working together with my team. You have to understand all the factors at play when you’re up to bat so you can make a plan in your head on how to best advance the runners. I have leadership skills that I would say are a strength as well.”
Other players are also getting ready for action. Sophomore Bryn Marsh said, “My performance last season was honestly pretty decent. I struck out a lot of people and I got to pitch a lot which is what I love.” She noted, “I’m really excited about this upcoming season because I’ve made a lot of good friends with the girls and I’m excited to hang out with a couple of them. I feel like one of our strengths last year was the bonds we made, like how a couple of the older girls made me feel super welcome, and going on car trips, singing with them, and more stuff was fun.”
Tryouts for the team took place earlier this month. Kelsey Jenkins showed enthusiasm for the new players. She said, “My philosophy as a coach is to help develop softball players’ knowledge and love for the game of softball and to foster teamwork and hard work on and off the field.”
However, additions to the team don’t just end at players. Kelsey Jenkins stated, “We have added a new varsity coach from the JV team, Coach Scott Giron, and added Coach Ralph Sandoval as the new JV Head Coach. In addition, the field has some new dirt and has been leveled and is ready for the season. We are very excited for the 2024 season and hope everyone can come out and see some amazing student athletes play softball.”
Of course, with all these new people, there will be some improvements to make. When it comes to new players, Assistant Coach Jim Jenkins stated, “Players need to understand the mental side of softball. 90 percent of softball is mental, and ten percent is physical. If they can master the mental side of the game, it would help them to understand game strategy which will help them develop as players.”
The team refines these aspects and more through training. Jim Jenkins said, “Typically, before we step on the field, the coaches will meet with the players, and the team captains will lead the team in warmups, followed by a quick lap around the horn [the dirt section of the softball field]. Next, coaches will demonstrate drills, with multiple stations set up for each practice. After the demonstration, players in groups rotate through the stations, getting in as many repetitions as possible.”
Jim Jenkins stated, “Next, pitchers and catchers will get their work in. Then a quick team meeting occurs to discuss the practice and drills, and answer players’ questions. Finally, each player has field clean-up obligations like raking their positions and bullpens, putting bases away, and sweeping dugouts.”
The players look to the future with strong hopes. Maynard said, “Last year we had a rough schedule, but the bond we had as a team helped a lot. We have a new league this year [Eastern League], and hopefully that will have a better turnout. My hopes for this year are to have a fun senior season and try to be a good team captain. Hopefully, the team can have an even stronger bond. We will work hard, and that will carry onto the field.”