Coming off of a disappointing end to the season last year, softball has roared back to start this season, posting a ten-game win streak in the middle of September. This year, many people have stepped up and the team has come together to form a strong unit.
Senior and four-year veteran Kyndall Jesse is known for her positivity, leadership, and work ethic, which led her to be named team captain. She has been invested in softball her whole life and has continued to love the sport ever since.
She feels a sense of accomplishment by being named captain and wants to be as influential as possible.
“I struggled a bit in previous years with having a voice, so being captain makes me feel like I have found it and can use it for not just myself, but for the team’s benefit, too,” said Jesse.
Because of her passion for the sport and team’s success, Jesse lifts up her teammates daily.
“I give tips when I see someone struggle so everyone is able to reach their full potential because I genuinely care about my teammates and love to see them succeed,” Jesse said.
Junior Captain Kiera Gravely is thrilled with her position, but also thinks being captain comes with some downsides.
“I feel I have to live up to an expectation with the responsibility that I have,” Gravely said. “Such as making sure I am picking my teammates up after a mistake or error and not getting down on myself when it happens to me.”
Gravely believes it’s important to have a strong bond with her teammates and works hard to make that happen.
“It feels good that others see me as a leader because I do my best to support everyone and be their voice for them when need be,” said Gravely.
Teammates also believe the captains have made a huge difference in playing the sport in high school. Sophomore Olivia Magruder looks for leadership from her upperclassmen and captains and has been able to find it.
“The leadership on the team is really good,” Magruder said. “I think both the captains and seniors are very approachable and welcoming, especially being my second year playing with everyone. I find them all easy to talk to.”
Gravely understands the obstacles that her teammates face and wants them to understand that they’re not alone.
“I want them to know that everyone has a bad day,” Gravely said. “We’ve all been there by making errors, hitting slumps, and not being on our A-game.”
Magruder agrees and sees the determination her captain has in trying to make the team better.
“The captains make sure we always do our best, and are always supporting each other by keeping the energy high,” Magruder said.
As Jesse’s time as a high school softball player winds down, she has some advice for her teammates and the future players in the program.
“We have a really special team because of the chemistry and I hope that continues through the program and their motivation for the sport,” Jesse said.
