To give a complete preview of the season, wlhsNOW staff hosted a softball media day, which included portraits in the studio and individual interviews with the players. Click below to see each player’s profile, which explains each player’s individual outlook for this season.
Getting to know the softball team
After falling out of the quarterfinal in last year’s playoffs as the No. 27 seed, the softball team looks to bounce back.
Last year, the softball team had a 1—17 start. Midway through the season, amidst the winless streak, the head coach parted ways, leading to new head coach Gina Garvey-Metzler.
The softball team went on to win eight of their next nine games up to a quarterfinal loss to Oregon City. This season, the team will play Oregon City three times in the regular season. Gracie Gabel, junior, is the starting third baseman.
“[Oregon City] has a pitcher going D1 and I think we just need to keep the competitiveness with them,” Gabel said. “We beat them once last year, but then lost to them in the playoffs by one. I think they’re the best in state from where I see it. I think that if we beat them, we can beat anyone.”
Along with experienced Three Rivers League (TRL) rosters, the softball team introduced their new full time head coach Garvey-Metzler. Grace Leben-Wollen, senior, plays primarily first base and outfield.
“[My biggest goal is] definitely working hard,” Leben-Wollen said. “Like everyone putting in their best effort, practice or game. Showing up and playing ball [and] basically having fun. I know with the new coach and everything, one of the main goals is to [not only] have fun but also work hard and strive to have [a] positive mentality along with playing well. I think that’s been a big goal of ours is to work on the mental game.”
Additionally, the softball team’s captains are Jenna Wheeler, Courtney Williams, and Rebecca Gomez, all seniors. The captains are leading a team that features four freshmen, including pitcher Kendall Atwood, freshman, who starts on the mound.
To give a complete preview of the season, wlhsNOW staff hosted a softball media day, which included portraits in the studio and individual interviews with the players. Click below to see each player’s profile, which explains each player’s individual outlook for this season.
For an in-depth look at the forthcoming spring sports season, listen to The West Linn Weekly Wake Up’s spring season preview.
