Willis Softball is on a roll coming in clutch to try and grasp a playoff spot. Starting off to a rough start with having three wins and five losses in the first round of district ,they are rolling into the second round with only two losses and five wins with one more game to play to determine if they make the playoffs.
The coaches are putting in work in and outside of softball to try and do everything they can to help their team.
‘In recent weeks, our coaching staff has been diligently focused on structuring practices to emphasize task-oriented drills and simulate live game scenarios.’ Head Coach Leechelle Lara said. ‘We want to put pressure during these practices to prepare the girls for the challenges they may encounter in games.’
The overall goal for our softball team is to make the playoffs but it also goes deeper than that.
‘The main goal for the program is to obviously make playoffs and go as far as we can. But right now our goal is to focus on the little things to achieve big things.’ Junior Kelsey Wyland said.
“I think my main goal goes beyond the game of softball. I want to be thought of as a good coach, yes, but it matters more to me for the players to see me as a good all around person.” Assistant Coach Brett Carnline said.
Willis softball set the goals, but they had to make a change to make these goals possible.
“I think we stopped putting so much pressure on ourselves. We started just going out and enjoying the game of softball.’Carnline said. ‘The game is already hard enough and we were making it harder by putting so much pressure on ourselves.’
These softball girls had reset their minds and their game plan to take the step they needed to achieve these goals. It takes the whole team to make this change.
‘We’re working on achieving a playoff spot by taking one pitch at a time and not focusing on what is in our heads, but what is going on at that moment.’ Wyland said. ‘I feel the reason we started winning and have been on our streak is because we finally started trusting each other offensively and defensively instead of one person trying to win the game for us.’
At the end of the day the softball team is not defined by their wins or loses but they also focus on keeping the love they have for the sport alive.
‘My favorite part of Willis softball is when I see the joy on our players’ faces. We have had to overcome a lot of adversity this year and to see the joy on their face when they are seeing their hard work pay off is easily my favorite part.’ Carnline said.
‘What I love most about Willis Softball is the chance to be a part of it and to impact the lives of each student-athlete. Witnessing their growth, not just as players but as individuals, is incredibly rewarding. Willis Softball brightens my day, and despite any challenges coaching brings, I’m thankful that I’m fulfilling a calling from God that aligns perfectly with my passion.’ Lara said.
