After a two-year hiatus, the varsity softball team steps onto the diamond again, facing off against their first opponent of the season, James Lick High School. With a roster of almost all new players, anticipation hangs heavy in the air. Only 3 innings in, the team dominates 11-0. They ultimately claim the victory, spirits soaring high. The Eagles are back in action. 

The lack of participants caused challenges to fielding a team the past couple of years, but this year marks a significant turnaround with many new recruits. Seven frosh make up over half of the twelve-person team, and all but one player are new to the high school softball environment. 

Because there was no softball team for the last two years, captain Isha Kotalwar (12) had only played as a frosh. She is now excited to be back on the team with newcomers.

“I like how eager everyone is to learn, especially the people that are new to the sport,” Isha said. “I like how supportive of each other everyone is, and it’s been nice interacting with the underclassmen since there’s not been a team in recent years.”

Head coach Raul Rios also highlights the importance of smoothly integrating the new players into the team. The experienced softball players offer patient guidance, while Rios implements teaching techniques catered to the beginners’ levels. In this welcoming environment, they can learn while also feeling valued during practices and games.

“The ones that have played before are taking the other ones under their wing and showing them how to play,” Rios said. “Instead of them throwing the ball 100 miles an hour, they’re taking it easy so others learn. With the younger ones, we started off with a cushy ball, and once they felt comfortable, then we switched it over to the hard ball.”

Harmonious teamwork connects players as they work with each other to improve their own skills in order to be successful as a team on the field. Raeanne Li (9), who has played softball at Harker since fourth grade, recalls seeing several new players developing their skills through collaboration.

“The people who have been playing for a little bit more time than the others have helped others out,” Raeanne said. “For example, one of the new people to softball is a lefty, and we don’t have that many other lefties. So another freshman jumped in, who is also a leftie, and she told her how to hold the bat and how to swing. If you only have a few good people, you can’t win games like that. The whole team has to support each other.”

Although the team is not officially in a league for their first season back, they still gain experience playing against other high school teams at the same intramural level. Engaging in these matches provides a growth environment for all team members, regardless of their level. While seasoned players have the opportunity to compete in high school games, newer players benefit from the coaches’ mentorship during the matches. 

Sophomore Joy Hu has played club softball since first grade and joined the Harker softball team in middle school. She reflects on her experience getting to know more people through their shared interest in softball this season.

“Sports foster a sense of camaraderie that’s unique among extracurricular activities,” Joy said. “In school, you see your teammates thriving academically, but on the field, you see a whole different side of them. For softball especially, the importance of communication and support creates a really wholesome and welcoming community, both on and off the field.”

Frosh Selena Chen, who played softball for the first time in eighth grade, shares a similar sentiment on the team’s collective growth.

“We’ve had people who just started learning to hit, and they’re starting to learn the rules of softball,” Selena said. “We’re all starting new as a team, so we’re all just learning together. I hope that we can all improve as a team and really get better as we go.” 

Rios harbors high aspirations for the team’s success in the coming years as the coach. Recognizing that most of the players are underclassmen, he sees the opportunity to refine their skills in the next couple of seasons. He not only aims to nurture their growth but also anticipates the arrival of new players to keep the softball team thriving. 

“We’re going to be keeping the program going,” Rios said. “I think we’re going to be strong, and we’ve got a young team. If we stay together for two or three years, we’re going to be at the top of the league.”