Wriiten by Molly Hart

There’s a charged energy in the air this spring as the varsity softball team takes the field; cleats pounding, bats cracking, and attitudes elevated. Having already experienced a season filled with growth, determination, and a taste of success, the Wildcats are marching forward with confidence and purpose.

Beginning the season with an excursion to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the team became more bonded than ever with entertaining activities such as a Pitch Perfect movie night, exciting trips to Bowlero and Busch Gardens, and a new addition to the team: Frasier the dancing stuffed goat. They practiced hard under the burning sun for hours at a time, earning their stripes (farmer’s tans) and preparing for the season ahead. 

At the first game against Hamden Hall on March 29, the Wildcats suffered a 7-5 loss. Unfortunately, the next three games against Hopkins, Dalton, and King did not go much better. Hopkins walked away with a 2-21 win in their regimen, Dalton won 2-12, and King beat the team 5-18. 

After these four losses, the captains, Julia Heintz ‘25, Willow Edwards ‘25, and Isa Pierry ‘25, called a team meeting, telling their players to lock in and set some new norms for practices to hopefully improve as the season progresses. 

When asked about the team’s development, Edwards stated, “This year, the softball team has been working on lots of position-specific skills, thanks to a staff of three coaches who all specialize in different aspects of the game. Coach Brinson works primarily with the infielders on agility and situational plays, Coach Tombline coordinates our outfield and offense, and Coach Guffey works with our outfielders and catchers, implementing new blocking and framing drills during practice.” 

It seems as though these methods worked out, since the very next game against Marymount led to the first win of the season, ending at 12-2. The streak continuing with the next game against Greens Farms Academy in a close win after a very tight match, the final score being 6-5.

The most recent game against Greenwich Country Day was also the team’s Senior Day, celebrating seniors Heintz, Edwards, Pierry, Emely Luzon-Vigay, and Shea Hollwedel. Setting out early to decorate the dugout with homemade posters and multicolored streamers, the team earned their first mercy of the season, destroying GCDS 17-6.

When asked about the sudden turn around, Pierry commented, “I think that with more time spent together, we’ve grown more confident in each other as a team. We trust that every player can make the plays and step up to the plate with the confidence it takes to help us win.”

Coming up, the team has games against Sacred Heart NYC on April 22 and the Spence School on April 25, which promise more opportunities to show their growth, refine their skills, and play with pride. Both are home games, so make sure to stop by and support varsity softball to manifest the continuation of their winning streak!

Get ready, Wildcats, the best is yet to come.