Hitting Off The New Season

Fair Grove Softball team has been taking the extra steps this offseason in order to succeed this upcoming season. With new additions to the team, their chances are promising.

The softball team has had after school practice on Wednesdays, weights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and many team activities and parties to better bond the team. 

The Lady Eagles, coached by Tara Whetzell, have added some new players to the team. “We only lost one senior last year and gained five freshmen this year, so the competition is high right now,” explained Coach Whetzell.

Whetzell is going into her seventh year as the head softball coach here at Fair Grove. Whetzell developed her love for the game while she was playing softball in high school here at Fair Grove. She went on to play college softball, while coaching middle school and highschool teams in the summer. 

The energy amongst the girls has been nothing short of excitement. Taylor Rode (12) explained her feelings on the upcoming season, saying, “I am really excited for this season, I think we have a really good group of teammates, and we all work together very well. I am so ready to see how we perform this season.”

Taylor Rode started playing softball her 8th grade year. She described that she was new to Fair Grove and needed friends. Softball was the perfect answer, here she built great friendships with teammates and coaches that impacted her throughout her whole career. 

Hannah Morris (12), another senior on the team said that the chemistry is unlike that of any team she’s played with, “I have never been on a team where everyone has respect for each other and we don’t ever have to worry about drama.” 

The primary goal for the team this year is to go out and compete each and every game. “I hope to continue seeing our athletes compete at a high level of intensity, unselfishness, and hustle,” said Coach Whetzell. 

Seeing who steps up and who fills roles this year will be a key part in the success of the team. Coach Whetzell implied, “We competed against a really good schedule last season and that will not change this season. I am excited to see how we respond to that and how well our leadership responds. 

Whetzell believes that the key to success this season is consistent on the offensive side. Coach Whetzell said, “If we can score runs and our defense remains solid, we will win more games.”