Monday, January 12, the girls gathered up their cleats, bats, and bags, and headed off to the baseball field for softball try outs. The girls met with head coach, Jerry King, and assistant coach, Dion Weaver.

The nerves settled in as they walked out to the field leaving their cleat marks in the clay, hoping they’ll be able to make the team. Taylor Mont, 9th grade, said, “I was so scared I was going to get cut!”

Even for returning players, the nerves never seem to go away. “I was scared to have an ‘off day’. I’m a pitcher, and I wanted to make it for pitching,” said Sarah Huskey, 11th grade. “If I had an off day, and my pitch was bad, I didn’t want to be disappointed in my performance.”

Softball isn’t too much of a big sport at Osceola. According to Tessa Van Haaren, 11th grade, “I wasn’t surprised I made the team; not many of the returning players tried out.” But when these girls play, they stick to it. “I’ve played for twelve years and I plan on playing the rest of high school and in college.”

The softball team is known for being a competitive team that never gives up. Last year the girls won a total of twelve games out of twenty-six. They worked hard and stuck together as more than just a team, but as a family.

“I love how competitive the game is! It’s full of hard ground balls from a short distance, quick reactions, speed, and strength,” said Sarah Huskey. “It’s also a great way to bond with a lot of girls and become a real family.” Tessa Van Haaren also said, “My favorite thing about the team is that the girls are always funny.” The girls will be practicing all week to prepare for their first game sometime next week.