By Chris Neyenhouse
In just their seventh year as a spring program the Hollister softball team returns six starters from a squad that finished 4-22 last year.
Head coach Rebekah Glenn is excited about her team’s progress since last season ended.
“I am extremely impressed with our off-season improvement,” said Glenn. “Not only do we have many returners this season, but we have also added quite a few new faces to our program. These girls want to improve and want to win. It is exciting to coach and teach a group that has goals in mind and are willing to work for those goals, and that starts in the off season.”
The entire pitching staff returns from a year ago. “Senior Kelly Garceau and junior Madison Conway were our main forces in the circle last year,” Glenn said. “Both of these girls have been working incredibly hard in the offseason to grow in their ability to place pitches, as well as adding different pitches to their tool box. It will be exciting to see their hard work pay off on the field.”
Rounding out the pitching staff are sophomores Emelyn Crisler and Jadyn Hunt. Seniors Journey Beckman, Jadyn Escalante, Kassie Patton, as well as junior Christa Adams are back from the starting lineup in both the infield and the outfield.
The team has had a spirited battle for starting spots all over the field.
“We have a strong group of seniors that will be excellent leaders this season,” said Glenn. “This group has played together the past few years, and they all have seen many innings of varsity play. This will be vital when working with our younger players. Teamwork is the word that comes to mind when talking about this group of seniors. They like to work hard, improve and work as a team for the ultimate goal.”
Sadie Gomez, Samantha Herrera-Rivas, Jadyn Hunt, Adelyn Collier, Trinity Thomas, Gracie McElwee, Mileah Albert, Cambree Hodges, Abigail Walser, Shaila Canela, Harmony Clark, and Mary Helman are all in the mix for playing time.
“My expectations for the team this season are to not give up, give their best effort each day, and to be competitive,” Glenn said. “We haven’t won a lot of games recently, but we are continuing to improve and learn together as a team on and off the field. We will work hard every single day, and in turn I feel we will start to see that add up each game.”
Hollister plays at Pleasant Hope to begin the season March 15.
