As the spring season approaches, the weight room in Kinnelon High School is a busy place. Uplifting music beats loudly from the speaker as weights and weighted balls are lifted and pounded back down to the floor with an alarming sound. The treadmills thrum with a continuous sound as pairs of sneakers run along the black belt. As athletes step out of their winter slump and into the sunny outdoors, they prepare for upcoming games by training consistently and attending practices.

In the article “5 Health & Physical Benefits From Playing Softball,” The Revolution Softball Camps Blog talks about how softball is one of the many ways to be more active and better your physical and mental health, alongside building meaningful connections.

Sophomore softball player Madeline DeJager agrees. She said, “Softball has helped me become more social, since most of the girls I play with don’t go to school with me, so it definitely gives me more opportunities to meet new people. I also love being with my teammates, and when we are in the dugout during games. It’s so exciting when we cheer each other on; it just makes this experience so much better.”

Despite only a few girls playing softball in Kinnelon High School, the ones who are are always full of radiant positivity and enthusiasm. “My advice to someone wanting to play softball would be to just try it. There are many different roles when it comes to this sport, so you are always more than welcome to join the team!” said senior Sophia Covello, who has been playing since her freshman year.

Freshman Gabrielle D’Ettore is one of the two freshmen who are new additions to the team. D’Ettore, alongside many of her teammates, expressed her opinions on having a small team. “I wish that more girls would play softball in Kinnelon. It’s hard having to travel all the time for games. I feel like if more girls tried it, they would like it.” 

Overall, working with a smaller group comes with some successes. Players can have a more controlled environment and a better time reflecting on what they could have improved on post-game. “Usually, if we experience a tough loss, the thing that helps us most to overcome it is to really reflect as a group and do things differently for the next game,” said DeJager. This helps set the team on the pathway to a favorable outcome.

Most importantly, after pushing aside all the workouts and difficult practices that have to be done six days a week, it’s finally time to step out onto the field and swing that metal bat. Inside the dugout is a whole team full of bright smiles and positive energy enough to lift spirits and frowns. “It’s gonna be a really fun season,” DeJager said, “especially with all the new friends I have made.”