The softball team became 2026 District Champions with 12 wins and two losses this season. Following their success, the team’s season continued in preparation for the upcoming playoff games. Although adjusting to a new team dynamic was a slight challenge, they’re thriving more due to this change. 

“Our game dynamic is everything,” Head Softball Coach Iyhia McMichael said. “We have to have what I call the same level of commitment with every player…Our girls have bought into that as a group, and so that has really affected us in a positive way, again, to where we are right now in our season.”

Throughout their practices, this group foundation has been nurtured by strengthening strategies both individually and as a team. 

“Practice this season is all about unity on the field and making sure that everyone is doing their own individual job as a player in order to advance our team in our goals,” Centerfielder Gianna Lipsky, 11, said. “We split up a little bit to work on outfield or infield specific skills, but we almost always do full team defense and work through multiple scenarios and plays so we are all on the same page.”

These group dynamics are key to the team’s success, but the very building blocks for such a strong foundation are individual players’ mindsets. 

“The best mindset that I have found is intentionality,” Lipsky said. “Being intentional about how I move, what I say, and how I say it are all things that I try to focus on. If I can be intentional for my team, then we can be completely focused and completely bought in.”

While their winning streak assured their confidence, the team’s losses also inspired their growth.

“The losses have been tough … and that has taught us that, one, anyone can get beat on any given day, and that everything matters,” McMichael said. “The physical things, hitting, throwing, base running, but also that we stay locked in for seven innings [are important]. I think that we slipped up on that, and so now we understand the importance of that even more.”

Even with some learning curves, the team has managed to combat a difficult season with a positive approach.

“This year’s group has taught me the balance of fun and hard work,” McMichael said. “Last year’s group was more serious, and this group is like, we can do both. And I think they have taught me that it can look different, but you can still be successful.”