Eagles softball team prepares for upcoming season

Monday, January 29, on the AHS softball field, the Lady Eagles officially began the season with the goal of being undefeated. Players work hard Monday through Friday from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock to achieve this goal.

Players want to represent Airport High School to the best of their ability. On and off the field they stand for E.L.I.T.E. (Engagement, Leadership, Integrity, Teamwork, and Empowerment) Eagles. The student athletes always focus on their education before softball. On the field they have worked hard so that fellow classmates will support the team throughout the season. The team has also became stronger, so the teams competing against the Lady Eagles need to come extra prepared.

The most important part of the season so far is the parent meeting that was held on February 7th at 5:45pm. Anna Parker, the varsity head coach, talked to the parents about the athletic fee to play a high school sport, which is seventy five dollars. Also the coach explained to the players that they cannot play if they do not have a sports physical on file. She then discussed the team policy and the expectations of the players. George Harkness, the school’s athletic trainer, also stepped in to explain what to do if there is an injury. At the end of the meeting the coach distributed uniforms to JV and Varsity players.

The Lady Eagles took on Dutch Fork Thursday, February 8. The JV team started at 5 o’clock and the Varsity team started at 7 o’clock. Going into the game Thursday, the team was expected to be very aggressive and ready to be moved around. Hannah Fisher, starting pitcher, planned to throw a no hitter against the Silver Foxes. Excited for a challenge, they executed and their positive attitudes led them to a draw. The E.L.I.T.E. eagles were happy with the outcome, they felt as if they did their best at being flexible.

“We have a full infield returning,” said Coach Parker, “a dominating pitcher, and a trust in one another.”

“I signed up for fourth block study hall,” Angell Weaver, a sophomore and current member of AHS Softball team, proudly admits, “so I can do my homework before softball practices or games.”

Coach Parker states, “I have big goals for the team. With the players we have returning we cannot afford low expectations, winning region is our main focus.”

The players are excited about this season; they have spent much of their time preparing and are ready to see if their hard work paid off. Also, they are happy with the progress they have made. Parents are thrilled to watch their daughters show the skills they have learned. Although most are happy about this event others, such as rivalries, are not as happy to see if the AHS Lady Eagles do well.

While the team went 4-2 in region play last season, this year the girls have pushed even harder so the record will improve. Additionally, the official season may have started on January 29th for other schools but for the E.L.I.T.E eagles the season started in October.

The team does not have an official team site but you can find more information on when they play at ahs.lex2.org.