On some days, pitcher Stephanie Deeb can be seen practicing in the gym. You wouldn’t notice her at first, of course, until you hear a ball fly by at over 50 miles per hour. You then see heads turn and search for the jacked baseball player who was responsible for the rocket. No one ever has a clue that it’s the giggling girl in the corner.
After finishing last season in the first round of the county tournament with a heartbreaking one point game, the lady dodgers were determined to get back on the turf and write a new beginning to 2013. This year is different, though. With just two seniors in the group, the dynamic is interesting. Sophomores, Stephanie Deeb (pitcher), Jill Caruso (first base), and Kristina Qualben(catcher) are all starters for the team this year. Each of them has had to step up their game to support the small unit. And just because the 2013 softball squad is limited in players, does not mean they don’t have huge goals.
Head coach Lenny Kunz returns this year for the dodgers alongside assistant coaches Amy Pierce and Reina Caruso. Captains are Tori Ellis and Isabel Kennedy, the two lone seniors returning for the team. With just two seniors, a lot of weight has been put on the underclassmen who take it with pride. “We’re really proud of them,” Kennedy spoke on the sophomores. “They’ve just been incredible team mates since freshman year.”
“Because we’re such a small group, team work is so important whether your underclassmen or upperclassmen,” Qualben explained. “It’s just not about being an individual anymore. It’s about getting the ball and making everyone else look good.” Qualben, the team’s starting catcher is a three sport athlete. After playing varsity as just a freshman, the talented catcher has already become a leader with expectations for her team that go beyond the counties. “We want to make a run at states for sure. It’s always something in the back of your mind. I have a lot of expectations for this year.”
March 1st was the first day of practice at Madison recreational complex’s second turf field. “It felt really great to get back out there. We were all practically running to the locker room that day.” Qualben said. “This year we’re going to come back and finish business.
The Softball team has their next game today against Butler. Come out and support your Lady Dodgers!