Words of wisdom are what a softball team needs to start off any game.
“I always tell my players to play with all of their heart, and give it all they have. I tell them that they should be able to walk off the field knowing that they did their best and not have any regrets,” varsity softball coach Annette Gomez said.
The girls on the softball team kicked off the season with a 5-3 win against Eastwood High School Feb. 11.
The girls started their first practice Jan 17. The team practices every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., on weekends they also work hard and practice from 8 a.m. to 11a.m.
By their third game against Parkland High School the girls lost 3-8. The girls held their heads high and walked across the field together with a good game hand shake. “After a loss we look back and talk about the reasons why we lost. We discuss it as a team and come up with ways we can fix what we did wrong. We try to use a loss as a learning experience and grow from it,” coach Gomez said.
The softball team is made up of well-known star players. Celina Castillo is the team leader and captain. Deanne Alderette is the running pitcher, and all of the outstanding freshmen Lyn Gomez, Clarissa De Santiago, Cindy Ramos and Athena Muniz, have made it to the varsity team.
Celina Castillo is the teams captain because of how well she helps and motivates the girls.
“She is a leader with positive attitude. Celina always points out the positive in things and lifts our team spirit. She has motivating talks with the team and makes practice a positive environment where the girls enjoy getting better and working hard. Celina knows how to keep the girls fighting and focusing during a game,” coach Gomez said.
There are many different types of batters and pitchers in softball, Athena Muniz, Lyn Gomez and Kayla Dubrule are hitters and bunters. Power hitters Celina Castillo, Stephanie Perez, and Deanne Alderette, bring in runs. The two pitchers are sophomore Deanne Alderette, and freshmen Athena Muniz.
“I have high expectations for our team this year. We have so many talented girls who are strong both defensively and offensively,” coach Gomez said.
Coach Gomez has also coached in the city league over 15 years. She was an assistant varsity coach, until three years ago when she became the head coach for the school’s varsity softball team.
“Our goal is to win district. I expect my girls to learn every day and to get better all the time,” coach Gomez said.