Last year, the Antioch Community High School varsity softball team lost three valued seniors, leaving open spots on the roster for the 2023 season. After a long week of tryouts in the beginning of March, head coach Anthony Rocco added freshmen Claire Schuyler, Addie Webb, Jadynn Ruiz and Samantha Hillner to the team.
The drive to success began early in the minds of the four talented individuals. For Webb, it was important to strategically narrow down her practice to a single position.
“A month before [tryouts], I tried to realize what position I would probably be [playing] on the team and worked on those more than anything,” Webb said.
Entering tryouts with the correct mindset was something that Hillner knew was a principal key to showing her skill and grit. Having played for more than 10 years, Hillner understands her skill level.
“I went in with a positive mindset and knowing [whatever happens] was meant to be,” Hillner said.
Sequoit softball is not taken lightly. The team’s expectations are high after ending last season, placing first in conference, regionals, sectionals, super sectionals and above all, a third place state trophy. The drive to win is shown through the team’s aggressive schedule.
“I went from practicing three times a week and working out three times a week [to having] practice every day,” Ruiz said.
Most ACHS softball players have endured years of previous experience, including all four freshmen who each have been playing softball for 10 or more years. It is important, however, to have a role model on the team to look up to despite all the years of previous experience.
“I look up to most of them, but Emily Brecht, specifically,” Ruiz said. “She has a good mindset and is always ready to play.”
The beginning of the season has been successful for the varsity softball team as they have an undefeated record. Finding ways to stay motivated throughout the season is a crucial aspect to an athlete’s physical performance.
“[I’ll] keep a confident mindset and just keep doing what I’m doing,” Schuyler said.
The four freshmen will continue to follow the lead of the upperclassmen and play a crucial aspect in the team’s performance this season. With two more months of games and practice ahead of them, the hard work does not stop. The Sequoits will continue to work towards keeping their undefeated record, while still having fun and making memories along the way.
