As the softball season gears up, coaches and captains alike are tasked with laying the foundation for a successful and harmonious team dynamic. The Valparaiso High School Girls Softball team exemplifies this dynamic thanks to dedicated captains and coaches leading the way.
“As Captain, I plan to set the tone and build the team through motivation and encouragement, emphasizing that communication is the key element,” said Senior Captain Mya Radinovic. “It’s essential to motivate each individual while offering guidance on improvement.”
Anticipation builds for another exciting softball season, as the captains of the Valparaiso High School Girls Softball team prepare to set a fun tone for the season ahead.
“I plan to use my leadership role to help new players understand how to do things the Valpo way,” said Sophomore Captain Elizabeth Kosek. “Representing Valpo may be an adjustment for all of us, but it only makes us stronger. Getting the entire team on the same page will make us a cohesive unit.”
Within the introduction of the new season, there’s some time when these student-athletes need to guide some seasoned players along with the newbies in a very effective & efficient way.
“I envision balancing the guidance of experienced players with nurturing the potential of new team members to ensure all teammates feel comfortable,” said Senior Captain Reese Clausing. “They should have an outlet to ask questions and learn about the game from those who truly understand what Valparaiso softball means.”
With this thoughtful perspective on team development, the Valparaiso High School Girls Softball team is ready to be motivated with the goals and values of pre-game and practice.
“My approach as a captain to motivate and inspire my teammates during pre-game is having a very hype and encouraging environment so players get locked in and are ready to play at their best,” said Clausing.
These relationships are always important to foster a team culture and encourage team camaraderie by starting them at the very start of the season.
“The strategy I have in mind to foster a positive team culture as Captain is to create a winning culture by striving for excellence and success by showing passion and enthusiasm on a daily basis,” said Radinovic. “Teammates can feel and sense the Captain's attitude so it’s important to display a positive attitude and give encouragement, especially during mistakes. Team bonding is also so important when it comes to working together on the field. I will give constructive criticism and make sure they understand that mistakes happen but it can’t become a habit.”
As the team gears up for the season, it's evident that this mindset aligns with the broader ethos of being a student-athlete, where academic achievement and on-field performance go hand in hand.
“Our coaches have always stressed the importance of being a student-athlete and that the student comes first. I work for good grades in the classroom, and I then try to translate that onto the field,” said Kosek. “I plan to help the team improve on the field and in the classroom and having a strong relationship with everyone is crucial so everyone feels comfortable to talk to any of the captains and reach out for help.”
As all these things come into play, the team has to think about what is going to get them to where they need to be, early on in the season.
“The specific goal I have for the team at the beginning of the season is to not be in their own head and just play ball and be competitive because the team can execute excellent skills at practice and they need to bring that same mentality to games,” said Radinovic. “As Captain, I am responsible for any bad performances and need to fix morale to bring the best performance out of each team player.”
The Valparaiso High School Girls Softball team epitomizes dedication, teamwork, and leadership as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The captains' commitment to fostering a positive team culture and prioritizing communication sets a strong foundation for success all year long.
"As a staff, we are so proud of the work these girls have put in since the end of last season. They are working hard and learning each and every day. As coaches, we try to help them build their softball skills as well as skills that will help them be successful in life. The future is bright, I can't wait to see where it takes us," said Tracy Corneil, the head coach of the Valparaiso High School Girls Softball team.