The softball season is off to an exciting start, with tryouts recently wrapping up and teams gearing up for a promising year ahead.

The tryouts were a whirlwind of activity, showcasing the dedication and talent of athletes competing for a spot on the roster.

“I’m on a select team and we do winter training, about three times a week, so that prepared me and I went to the gym a lot. And then mentally, it just took a lot of not caring about what other people think,” senior Tessa Stutsman said.

Coaches focused on evaluating players’ skills in batting, fielding, pitching and teamwork, ensuring that each athlete had the opportunity to shine.

From diving catches to powerful hits, the tryouts were a testament to the hard work these players have put in during the offseason.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this year’s tryouts was seeing players, like  senior Katie Lingren return to the field after overcoming injuries.

“I had shoulder surgery in August, so I’ve been in recovery for six months, so this is really like my first time getting back to playing.
So my goal was just to get back and move everything, and I think it’s going pretty well,” Lingren said.

Lingren’s resilience and determination was nothing short of remarkable. Watching her push through challenges and reclaim her strength reminded everyone of the importance of perseverance and mental toughness.

As the season kicks off, the energy on the field is palpable. The team is coming together, building chemistry, and setting their sights on ambitious goals. Practices have been intense, with players pushing themselves to improve and refine their skills.

The season’s first games have already provided a glimpse of the potential this team holds. While there have been challenges, the players’ resilience and determination are evident. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, standout performances, and moments that define the spirit of softball.

Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses, and don’t forget to cheer on our team as they chase their dreams on the diamond!








































Interview Questions


What were your personal goals going into tryouts? Do you feel you achieved them?
How did you prepare for tryouts, both physically and mentally?
Were there any moments during tryouts that stood out for you, either as a challenge or a highlight?
Which part of the tryouts did you feel was your strongest area—batting, fielding, running, etc.?
What has been your favorite moment of the season so far?
How do you feel about your performance on the field, and what areas are you working to improve?
How have you bonded with your teammates, especially the new members?
Is there a particular game or match up you’re especially excited about
What are the team’s goals for the season, and how are you contributing to reaching them?
Can you share any pre-game rituals or traditions that the team has?

Tessa Stutsman Interview

Maddy: Okay. First, do I have your permission to record this interview?
Tessa:Yes.
Maddy: 
Can you tell me your name and your grade?
Tessa: Tessa Studman, grade 12.
Maddy: 
What were your personal goals going into tryouts and do you feel you achieve them?
Tessa:My personal goal was just to have fun and make new friends, especially with underclassmen that were coming in. Um, and I think I did achieve them, because the first week even after we had team dinners and we like became friends with all each other and I played pretty well during the tryouts
Maddy: 
That’s good. How did you prepare for trials both physically and mentally?
Tessa:Physically, I played softball all year round so I’m on a select team and we do winter training, about three times a week. 
So that prepared me in and i went to the gym a lot, and then mentally, it just took a lot of not caring about what other people think
Maddy: Were there any moments during tryouts that stood out for you, either as a challenge or a highlight?
Tessa:
A highlight I think. getting to play with my friends.
Maddy:Um, which part of the tryouts did you feel like you were the strongest? 
like, batting, running, fielding?
Tessa: Fielding and running, I think were my strongest because I had basically a base runner and our 60 time, I was pretty fast.
Maddy:Okay.
Maddy:
And then what has been your favorite moment season so far?
Tessa:Favorite moment of the season so far is when we ran the bus down to go to Auburn, we were all laughing and giggling, and then there was a point where we all just fell asleep because we were genuinely so tired.
Maddy: How do you feel your performance has been on the field? What areas are you working to improve?
Tessa:
I’m working to improve my hitting. I think my fielding is getting good, but I think my hitting is just off when I swing. There’s something wrong that I have not been doing every single day.
Maddy:
Have you bonded with your teammates, especially v invented members, like underclass?
Tessa: Are little freshies so cute? I love them, and they’re all super sweet. All of them are cocky. and I definitely wanted to be with them, especially because they’re new, so they get upset and talk to you. 
It’s like, they can then smile, and then obviously my upper class because I mean, there to stay warm.
Maddy:Is there a particular game or match you’re especially excited for?
Tessa: I’m super excited to wait for the GP, because Yeah, they did lose their star pitcher and my best friend plays on that team, so I’m super stoked.
Maddy:Um, what are the team’s goals for this season and how are you contributing to them?
Tessa:Win have fun and win 
And be a teammate.
Maddy: I like that.
Maddy:Okay, and then last question, can you share any pre game rituals or traditions that the team has?,
Tessa:Ok well usually at home games we have a candy salad. 
Alyssa brings the candy salad. And then, bows, we just do a lot of bows
Maddy:Okay. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?
Tessa:Nope
Maddy:Thank you.
Tessa: Of course

Katie Lingren Interview
Maddy: Do I have your permission to record this interview?
Katie: Yes.
Maddy: What is your name and your grade?
Katie: 
Katie Lingren Senior
Maddy: Okay. Um, what were your personal goals going into tryouts and do you feel you achieved them?
Katie: Yeah, um I had shoulder surgery in August, so I’ve been in recovery for six months, so this is really like my first time getting back to playing. uh, like actual games and everything.. 
So my goal was just to get back and move everything and I think it’s going pretty well
Maddy: Um, how did you prepare for tryouts both physically and mentally?
Katie: Um, kind of the same thing my travel team has been practicing a lot. Um, I’ve been in physical therapy. I just finished that. So I’m just doing all my exercises.
Maddy: Were there any moments during tryouts that stood out for you, either as challenging or a highlight?
Katie: 
Um not really I can think of tryouts are pretty much the same over years i’ve been here.
Maddy: Uh, which part of the tryouts did you feel your strongest area was batting fielding, running
Katie: Uh, probably the fielding or running..
Maddy: Um, what has been your favorite moment of the season so far?
Katie: 
so far I don’t know, it’s been kind of short. not a lot has happened.
Maddy: Okay. um, how do you feel about your performance on the field and what areas are you working to improve?
Katie: Um, so far in the field, I feel pretty good hitting uh last game I was hitting the ball, but I was getting my first hit, I got under it, propped up. um, the second I just hit it right to the girl. And then I walked 
So I just wanted to improve on staying through the ball, um and timing so i can hit it in laps
Maddy: Um, how have you bonded with your teammates, especially, like, the new players?
Katie: i think pretty well, uh, a few of my teammates have been playing with for a while over high school, um hang out with them outside of school 
i’m newer with the freshman. um haven’t talked to them as much yet, but talked a little bit at like team dinners and all that. um they seemed really nice. It’s giving advice from more
Maddy: Is there a particular game or match up you are especially excited about?
Katie: I’m excited to play glacier peak because my best friend is on the team
So it’s always competitive.
Maddy: Um what are the team goals for the season and how are you contributing to reach them?
Katie: 
I think we want to have better team chemistry and do better in districts this year, because last year kind of sold a lot of teams we’d won against all season. So I think just having better communication with each other. on for each other..
Maddy: Um, and then last question, can you share any pre game rituals or traditions that the team has?
Katie: 
Um, I just like this in music. um like bus rides, listening to music, uh on towards the end, if it’s like a long drive, well maybe kind of go for ourselves through a little bit, but towards the end, we all talk to each other. And random things like that.
Maddy: Okay, and then is there anything else that you would like to share?
Katie: I think it’s pretty much that we’re just going to have a good season.
Maddy: Okay, thank you.
Katie: Thank you.