For some, when a ball and bat are seen, baseball is the first sport that comes to mind. The Lady Bear Softball team is truly breaking this standard by working hard and achieving greatness in the demanding sport that is softball. 

The Lady Bears are currently preparing for their upcoming district season. The team’s first game is at 6:30 p.m. on March 14 at Hamshire-Fannett and they are pushing to make this game only the start of this year’s victories. 

“We plan to be more aggressive this year,” senior player Justice Butler said. “The fans better expect the Lady Bears to go far in the playoffs.”

Even though this game is a few weeks away, the team has already begun their rigorous training. Along with the various scrimmages the team competes in, the group puts in hours of practice.

“We practice every single day,” junior Emily Landry said. “We always go till 6:30 or later.” 

Even with these long practices, that is not the only measure the Lady Bears are taking for success. The team is making all efforts possible to have a great season. 

“We usually go out during athletics and hit,” Landry said. “We also work out to build our strength.” 

The team only lost one senior this past year, so the majority of the team remains the same. This means that while the team members have all grown in skill they have also grown personally as well, which adds to their focus in the game. 

“We have left the drama off the field,” Butler said. “We’ll have drama with each other or other people, but as soon we step on the field all that goes away and we play to win.” 

With the shared goal for greatness, the team has built up a strong bond with one another. According to Butler, the team’s comradery is adding to their motivation. 

“We always pump each other up on the field,” Butler said. “We congratulate each other when we do good, and when we do bad or mess up we say it’s gonna be okay. We’ll get it next time.” 

This supportive attitude is the base of the Lady Bears’ great friendships. This friendship is what Landry believes to be the best thing about playing the sport.

“We are all really close,” Landry said. “Softball has always given me the best friendships.”

With their spirits high, hearts full, and bats ready to swing, the team is ready for a strong season. The Lady Bears assure their fans to prepare for some great games ahead and for their legacy to be remembered on the field.

“My favorite part of being a Lady Bear is knowing the fact that there is a little girl in the stands watching us, and wishing to be a Lady Bear,” Butler said.