7 starters return to Southwest softball team under new coach

With six seniors and seven returning starters, the Southwest softball team is hoping to use maturity and experience to find success under a first-year head coach this season.

Emily Snyder, Southwest softball coach, said 10 total letterwinners return to the squad this season, and she is excited to get her first head coaching season going.

“This will be my first year coaching and my first year as head coach,” she said. “I am very blessed and eager for the season to come and the opportunity. I am eager for the season to come to grow and work together.”

Southwest is looking to a quartet of seniors for leadership this year, including catcher anna Church, second baseman Ali Shrum, center fielder and shortstop Alli Fosse and third baseman Jordyn Martin. Joining the group as the likely starters will be sophomore pitcher Kaliegh Tull, sophomore first baseman Raeli Miles, senior second baseman Alexis Rauchstadt, sophomore shortstop Riley Flippo and sophomore right fielder Becca Swanepoel.

“I haven’t been around the girls enough to know them super well,” said Snyder, a middle school history teacher at Southwest. “However, I am certain that each girl will be willing and ready to work hard everyday to get better with a positive attitude.”

Snyder said the Lady Trojans have set their goals and are ready to go.

“A major goal for our team is for the girls to learn more, grow more and deepen their love of the game throughout the season,” Snyder said. “Our team dynamic will develop throughout the year. I predict these girls will only show up with great attitudes and ready to work hard to get better in the game.”

Snyder also hopes the lessons of softball are delivered in other ways.

“There are several traits the Lady Trojans are going to identify with this season, including being respectful, hard working and showing up everyday willing to learn, while having humility,” she said. “My overall expectation for the season is to grow as a team, as people and especially in the game of softball.”

Southwest’s season began on March 20 with an 11-0 loss to Exeter at the Cheri Nash Memorial Tournament in Verona. The home opener was on Monday against Miller, and the Lady Trojans host Wheaton on Thursday at 5 p.m.