As the spring semester begins, so are spring sports. Student athletes and coaches are preparing for their seasons and creating team goals. Baker softball had a record season last year, going 47-12 and making it to their first NAIA World Series in the team’s history according to Baker Athletics.
This year, the team hopes to continue this winning streak and achieve some personal and team goals along the way. Sophomore Kira Baker spoke about having a few goals for the upcoming season.
Throughout her time on the team, Baker has been an integral part of the pitching lineup, which has been her main focus. This year though, she is excited to have the opportunity to do some hitting.
“I want to be a beneficial part of that lineup and do some damage on that side of the plate.” Baker said. “The team in general also wants to be better at hitting this year and show that we aren’t just a defense team.”
The introduction of their new coach has been a positive change, with Baker saying that she has seen huge growth from a players perspective in hitting and that Head Coach Sam White has played a huge role in creating what she feels is a more bold team at the plate. Individually, Baker mentioned that while working with White, she plans to focus on a more efficient pitching style. She also explained that she feels the team has developed a new philosophy when it comes to hitting due to their new coach’s outlook on the game.
“He is fostering a much more relaxed team that isn’t afraid to give everything, even if it means making a mistake.” Baker said.
Coach White also expressed that he is excited to work with last years record breaking team, along with getting to coach new faces to the program; as the number of new players joining the team outnumbers those that are returning. White said that he’s focused on continuity for the team as a whole. And though there are some challenges coming into a season with that dynamic, that he is optimistic due to the team’s past.
“Our culture is strong so we have been establishing familiarity with offense, defense and getting to know personalities,” he said.
Last season, with the NAIA World Series and several other accomplishments by individuals on the team, White hopes to not break the rhythm that the program is in.
“On the field we have allowed them to struggle early so they learn to communicate.” White said, “It has made everyone trust each other by realizing they need to be great teammates to achieve.”
The Wildcats coaching staff has been focused on making the team better on and off the field, encouraging girls to give back to the Baldwin community, with White explaining that practices like these help the team gel.
Overall, Coach White has said that he is excited to see what this team of girls can accomplish this year, “The journey is always exciting and my goal is to develop while growing a mindset of helping others moving forward.”
