NatalieElse

As the JV and Varsity softball seasons come to an end, both teams reflect on their determination and morale throughout the season. JV ended their season against Papillion LaVista on Oct. 4 with a record of 5-16, while Varsity ended theirs against Norfolk on Oct. 10 with a final record of 9-19. Amidst the wins and losses for both the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams was a dedicated commitment to put forth best efforts and improve skills.

The JV team consisted of 18 girls, ranging from freshmen to juniors. This group of girls, led by head coaches Amy Cirian and Brogan Hohnholt, evolved this season . Reflecting on the overall relationship of the team, sophomore Annabelle Kreber says that this group of girls “started to really play as a team by the end of the season.” JV upheld a motivated spirit this season, which can be attributed to both the team’s close bond and perseverance amidst big losses. Kreber adds that the team stayed motivated “to want to get better.” 

The JV girls had many goals for this softball season, but one member really strived to meet hers. Kreber, a pitcher for the JV team, hoped to improve both her pitching and hitting skills this year. She said that she wanted to “strike out more people” and “hit my outside corner more.” In order to improve, she needed to work on her pitching mechanics. In JV’s final game against Papillion, Kreber added that “keeping the runs limited was important.”

The Varsity team consisted of 17 girls led by head coach Chad Perkins and assistant coaches Gus Ratliff, Amy Cirian and Brogan Hohnholt. Coach Perkins highlights the importance of building team culture this season, saying “we faced a lot of adversity, but I have seen a lot of maturity and growth among the girls.” The Varsity team was very young this year with lots of new talent being brought to the team, but there is one girl who really stood out. Being the only senior on Varsity, Katie Hansen helps herself and the team stay motivated by “maintaining a champion mindset which means staying focused and practicing with a purpose to get better every single day.” 

Hansen has been dedicated to the softball team for four years now and her favorite thing is “the emphasis on good team chemistry,” adding that some of her favorite memories are the team bondings and senior night. As Hansen crosses the Marian home plate for the final time, she hopes to continue to carry the confidence and leadership skills that this team has instilled in her.

“It is different being at an all-girls school. There is a sense of empowerment already instilled in the girls,” Coach Chad Perkins said. He appreciates the strong work ethic of all the girls at Marian and really loves “being around all of their youth and enthusiasm.” It is apparent that as he talks about the softball season, he embodies his own definition of a good coach: “somebody who can understand the strengths and weaknesses of their players as well as what motivates them.”

This season was not just about wins and losses; it was about building relationships, staying invigorated and putting forth best efforts. Although the 2024 softball season has come to an end, the players’ determination will remain alive for next season, pushing them to swing for greatness.