By Chris Parker
Wheaton softball has been in a rebuilding mode the past couple seasons. Six starters return looking to keep building the program.
“This year I want us to work hard and never give up or get discouraged,” Wheaton head coach Kaily Harvey said. “I want us to have great sportsmanship and continue to learn to help the program grow. I am confident that we will work together as a team but overall, I want us to continue to love the sport and love playing.”
Seniors Jenny Par (senior third base), Zoey Martell (first base/outfield) and Joselyne Juarez (second base) will be the team’s leaders.
“Jenny Par has grown in her role as a third baseman and has natural leadership abilities, and I look forward to seeing how she helps lead us to success,” Harvey said. “I can count on Zoey to do what is best for the team and she is willing to do whatever it takes to help us win and be successful. She will be a natural leader to our team this year. Joselyn was new to softball when she came out for the sport her sophomore year and has grown and is always eager to learn the sport and do what it takes to help our team.”
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The pitching duties will be handled by junior Alyssa Mason and freshman Jacyi Park.
“Alyssa Mason will be helpful this year. She has been working hard in the offseason to learn new pitches and has come a long way since just starting two years ago,” Harvey said. “Jayci Park will be valuable to us this year in helping us mix speeds between her and Alyssa. Jayci is a multi-sport athlete and is staying in great shape to keep up her endurance.”
A pair of freshmen in Nevaeh Crandall and Emme Garner will handle the catching duties.
The infield will feature Park and Martell at first, Juarez and Maurissa Gordon (junior) at second, Rebecca Zingcuai (junior) at shortstop and Par at third base.
Juarez, Gordon, Lakeisha Wise (freshman), Crandall, Martell and Emme Garer (freshman) will be around the outfield.
“Our strengths will be our defense. We have improved our defense tremendously last year. I want us to continue to improve in defense and become a strong defensive team,” Harvey said. “We are working hard on our offense this season especially with learning how to place bunts and hitting in key situations. We will also be working on our baserunning more this year.”
Wheaton opens the season Mar. 17-18 at the Verona Tournament.
“My expectations are that the girls continue to work hard, make improvements, and work together as a team,” Harvey said. “I want them to have grit and persevere through the hard times. If we can accomplish this, we will show improvement and be successful.”
