Our fall fastpitch season came to a close Thursday in the finals of the Regional Tournament at Hobart. While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, the journey to reach this point was filled with growth, resilience, and determination.
Throughout the season, we witnessed tremendous improvement from our girls, both individually and as a team. Each player found ways to contribute, whether through leadership, effort, or the unselfish attitude that is required to compete at a high level. Together, these contributions helped shape the identity of this year’s team and allowed us to push forward week after week.
The schedule we built this season was intentionally challenging. With very few days off and often four or more games in a week, the demand and expectations were high. Yet, this group of young women embraced the challenge we put in front of them, rising to the occasion and proving that they could handle the grind. We were able to navigate through the season without very many injuries. The girls gave their all every time they stepped on the field. They competed with pride and represented Cordell in a way that reflects the best of our community.
We are incredibly proud of the progress these athletes made, the determination they displayed, and the sports- manship they showed along the way. Every play and every inning served as a building block that made this team stronger. Not only as players but as young women preparing for challenges beyond the game of softball. We were able to work through the tough times together and continue working to build this program.
Though this chapter has come to a close, the foundation we have built this year sets the stage for even greater things ahead. The future of Lady Blue Devil softball is bright, and we are excited to see what lies ahead for this program.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who have helped us this season. Thank you to the parents who step up and support our team. Nathan Larsen, thank you for stepping up and helping me coach these girls. Having an assistant who knows the game and being able to talk and discuss strategies with them to and from games has been pretty great. I would also like to thank Karli Davis and the Cordell Summer League for all they do for our program, from running the concession stand at the games to supplying the girls with drinks and snacks. Coach Love, Travis Kelly, Mason Proffitt, and Michael Moore, thank you guys for always being willing to help out at the games with the scoreboard.
I also want to say thank you to Danielle Ivey, Randi Hunter, and Trista and Cory Rose for running Gamechanger and keeping up with the stats for us! Thank you to Jeff and Terri Davis for letting the girls use your barn for hitting and for our team dinner. Thank you to all the Moms that put their time and effort into putting that all together! Last, but not least, my wife, Misty. Thank you for having my back and for listening to me. It’s not easy being a coach’s wife, but having you in my corner makes the hard times easier.