Softball program Grows

“Fun, efficient, collaborative.” These are the words that junior Ana Lu Muela Kiser used to describe the 2023 Hammond school varsity softball team. The 2023 season has brought a renewed sense of energy to softball. With the record of 10-11, improved from last years' record with more wins, the softball team has grown exponentially in their skills, spirits, and teamwork

The softball team’s new skills entail catching more pop-flies, increasing the number of double-plays, and hitting the ball harder in general while batting This improvement is attested by members of the team as well as their coaches Newly hired coach Craig Hensley was asked, “What was your favorite memory of the season?” Hensley answered, “Watching home runs, good defense and good pitching ” Being the Hammond baseball coach for 5 years and the golf coach for 3 years, the coach was not exactly sure what to expect when he offered to be the softball team's assistant coach, but he has enjoyed the new opportunity.

The team has had new additions including junior Lucy Davies, sophomore Ava Miller, and 8th graders Sami and Reily Campbell, just to name a few These new additions have not undermined the skill of experienced players At the end of the season, all-region players included Grace Beacham, Sadie Meacham, Madge Miller, Ava Sapp, and Ali Dorrington with Grace, Madge, Ava, and Sadie named North-South all stars. Junior Grace Beacham was named all-region player of the year, the highest recognition for a SCISA softball player.

Along with improving strategically, the team also always had a lot of fun. When asked what their favorite game or memory was, both Sadie Meacham and Coach Hensley stated that beating Augusta Christian 14-4 in the region playoffs felt like the best they have played and the most fun they have had

Overall, the Hammond softball team has both improved from past years' seasons and made memories they will never forget