Sacrifices guide softball to success

Courtney MCCLURE
March 30, 2009
Filed under Sports

Rare passion. Hard work. Sacrifice. These were just a few things needed to make this year’s softball team a reality. For three grueling days, student-athletes worked hard in hopes of making the team. In the process, their passion surpassed all else, as players and coaches together set standards for the season ahead.

“I expect for this year’s team to win more than six games as well as finish in the top three at Conference,” says varsity coach, Justin Cummings. “Some things I was looking for were different skills, hand-eye coordination, catching, and commitment.”

While playing baseball all four years in high school and one in college, Cummings became very familiar with the game and the sacrifices that it demands.

“There were no more hanging out with friends and shopping and being a regular teenager,” he reminisces. “Working, family time and watching other events, like track meets, were also things I gave up.”

Because his passion for softball is so great, Cummings also admits to not spending as much time in his new home or with his wife, science teacher Lauren Cummings, who also coaches softball. Senior Ellen Coons, an all-conference player, commented on how playing softball is a big time commitment. For more than two years, Coons has been actively involved with softball, despite the obstacles she is forced to overcome.

“One thing I am expecting to give up this year is social time,” Coons says. “The team becomes the social part of your life.”

Freshman Liz Stevens, aspiring to start at first base, even confessed that in order to play softball, she stopped regularly attending the clubs she is most involved in, such as Art Club, Freshman Board, and Spanish Club. Whether it is sacrificing social time, homework time, or work hours, these students are showing commitment and dedication. Despite a rough start to the season with a loss to North Meck, the team’s passion is still evident in everything it does.