Transitioning into high school sports can be hard. However, thanks to Padua freshmen softball players have had an easier time transitioning into Padua sports. This year, there is a program for freshmen where they can play fall softball in a relaxed setting. This is not a competitive league, just a warm-up and refresher for the spring season.
There are 12 players on the team, all of them with previous softball experience. Most of them have played for school or a rec team before. This league is different because it is not competitive, and the games are all on Sunday mornings. The purpose of this noncompetitive league is to let the girls know what they need to do for spring season.
Many of the players are liking the fall season. For example,Chloe Burton (‘16) said, “It gives us an opportunity to play other schools and get some activity while doing something that we all like to do. It’s also nice to get out and meet some new girls who you have something in common with.” Not only are the players enjoying this, but the coaches are as well. Instead of the regular season coach, Mr. Boyer, coaching the team, parents were asked to step up to the plate and help. Mr. Burton was the parent that did so. He is doing a great job coaching the team.
Another great thing about the team is that it’s only freshmen. Laura Mumley (‘16) says, “I like the ‘just freshmen’ idea because it takes some of the pressure off. Sometimes it can be hard to play with older girls that have more experience than you.”
It looks like the freshmen fall ball team is turning out to be a great success.