This year, returning softball players knew they had their work cut out for them. They lost six seniors, five of whom were starters. The remaining players have had to step up to the plate and cover many bases.
“We’re a young team, but we have the talent that we need, we have the right kids in the room,” head coach Lindsay Gregory said. “If they’re able to step up in those big moments and fill those shoes, then we’re going to get there. We’re going to be where we need to be.”
Gregory led the team to the third round of the playoffs last year in her first year as the head coach, and the team’s expectations are high again.
Losing five starters was difficult to begin with, but the challenges continued as a key injury hit early. Junior Kendall Olson, who played catcher and first base, broke her hand during a preseason game. The entire team had to make adjustments.
“It has changed everyone’s position overall and their contribution to the team has changed, but people are very open-minded and they’re willing to do whatever they need for the team,” sophomore pitcher Allie Minick said.
Senior Addison Gomez is one of many players who has adapted. As a utility player, she goes wherever she’s needed on game day.
“I’m really flexible,” Gomez said. “If they say, ‘Addi, go to second base,’ I’m like, ‘Okay.’ ‘Addi, go to outfield.’ ‘Okay.’ I’ll just do whatever they need me to do, because I know it’s for the good of the team.”
Gomez is one of three team captains, along with Minick and Abbey Papadimitriou. Although Gomez often catches, she is technically captain of the outfield.
“She would run through a wall for this program and that’s really all you can ask,” Gregory said of Gomez.
Another key player on varsity is Papadimitriou, who signed to play at Sam Houston State University next year. She is a key bat in the lineup and plays shortstop.
“When we get Abbey in the right situation, she’s gonna do the job and hit them in every single time,” Gregory said. “She’s a big RBI kid, and we expect her to step up in those big moments.”
Papadimitriou not only contributes to her team athletically but with leadership. Due to her position at shortstop, she’s able to be within speaking distance of the pitchers. Minick has found that beneficial.
“She really helps me because she’s always in my ear telling me, hey, you need to calm down, focus on the pitch and stuff like that,” Minick said. “It’s really helpful.”
The team has already faced early challenges and tough competition. In the last three games, the Panthers have either won or lost by a one-run margin. The team hopes to win Districts, and will play against Porter in a key game this Friday.
Papadimitriou is optimistic about the season ahead.
“When we focus on taking it like inning by inning, we’re pretty much successful almost every time,” Papadimitriou said. “But that’s what I’d say is different about this year. Like, if a team jumps on us, we’re going to hit them right back. We’re not going to let them walk all over us. We’re going to show them what we have.”
