The Wildcats have kicked off their 2025 softball season, working together to overcome challenges, build trust, and grow as a team.

The Wildcats have started their season with a much smaller team than in years past, which has presented them with some new challenges. However, the girls have responded with resilience and flexibility, using teamwork to navigate the struggles that come along with having less players on the team.

Head coach ReAnn Schreiner says, “One of the difficulties of working with a smaller team is that our girls have to play in games a lot longer. Our girls also have to play through injuries. That makes it tougher for us.”

However, having a smaller team isn’t all bad. The fewer number of girls has allowed for strong bonds to be built between the players and coaches, which is one of the reasons the Wildcats have been successful.

Sophomore Anslee P. said in an interview, “Since the beginning of the season, all of us have really grown together. I just think that our team is really good at communicating with each other and making softball fun.”

This tight knit dynamic is one of the Wildcats’ advantages over the other teams that they play. Throughout the season, they have focused on creating an environment full of trust and making softball enjoyable for everyone.

Freshman Emma R. says, “Everybody supports one another, and I think that makes us a stronger team. I think our positive attitudes and supportiveness helps our team do better. When we’re in huddles, everyone’s being positive. Stuff like that helps keep an upbeat vibe.”

On top of this fun environment, the Wildcats have worked hard to improve throughout the season. The encouraging words and actions on this team help push everyone to be their best selves and play their best game.

Schreiner says, “When games and practices get tough, that’s when we try to keep it lighthearted. So that’s when we joke or go into some of those drills that aren’t quite as hard to keep everyone’s spirits light and keep everybody wanting to be at practice.”

Schreiner sums up the team’s goals by saying, “Our girls don’t have to win every single game. Obviously, we want them to win every game, but really what we want is for our girls to be getting better every single time they step onto the softball field.”