Anyone can play softball but as a new student joining a varsity team with unfamiliar faces, it may be difficult to settle in. Freshmen especially, already have to adjust to a new environment so feelings of isolation and intimidation may be heightened after joining the team. Sometimes a role model can be a good way to boost the newer players’ confidence and prepare them to play a game. The competitiveness of softball can influence emotions in a variety of ways when playing, winning and losing.
The rollercoaster of emotions each feels throughout a game, with a lack of excitement when losing but very hype when winning the team has never let their emotions get in the way of their performance. They yell chants at each other through the dugout when one of their teammates is up at bat. “It is a contact sport so if you go in with a bad mindset it can drag you down along with the whole team,” Erandi Perez, 9, said. Having coach Roxana McInerny by their side the team has gotten her support when it comes to anything.
“Coach Mac is there for us whether it’s physically or mentally. She is our biggest hype person no matter what it is she hypes us up,” Zayra Mateo, 12, said.
Being the odd one out has created some feelings. In the beginning, nervousness and a lack of confidence made it difficult for Perez. Although it was difficult, she felt accomplished being a freshman and making it onto the varsity softball team. Keeping her head high and motivating herself to be better she sees as the entire team sticks together to make themselves better as a team.
“These girls are open to letting everyone in. They make you feel comfortable and welcome,” Erandi Perez, 9, said.
Softball influences can create lots of people being inspired by others on the team. For example, Addison Bruzzi, 11, sees Noemi Mendez, 12, as her inspiration because she sees Mendez as a very committed and hard-working payer. While Camille Perea, 12, sees Bruzzi as her biggest inspiration. Both are different but have one thing in common, their competitive characteristics that allow them to put their all into their sport.
“Addison Bruzzi is my inspiration because she is very loud with her compliments. She’s competitive and a very good person to learn from,” Camille Perea, 11, said
