There are a variety of many different sports teams at Hickman, including football, soccer, volleyball and many more who have all been working hard this past fall season. One in particular, the softball team, has had a great season recently with 16 wins and 11 losses, much better compared to recent years. 

“We have recently beat two state champs this year and our record shows the work we’ve been putting in,” said junior Ella Perkins.

This past October the varsity softball team also swept the Kewpie Classic tournament, only losing to one other team with a score of 4-7. This was a big moment for Hickman softball and further proves the commitment of the whole team.

“Softball doesn’t take as much skill as it does mental toughness. Seven-tenths of the time you’re going to fail … but if you just learn how to see it through, you will be successful,” said Ella.

The saying, you can do anything you put your mind to certainly aligns with the mental toughness required to play softball or any sport in that matter. The softball team decides to enjoy as much of the game as they can rather than focus on the negatives.

“Every practice we are singing and dancing, but then when it’s game time we always lock in…I don’t think anyone had a genuinely bad day on the softball field,” said Ella.

The softball team is filled with commitment but even some of the most serious players need to joke around and find joy in sports. It isn’t all about winning or losing, some of the fun can be found off the fields too.

“I really like the food we get after the games…We either go to Culver’s or Chick-fil-a, but on special occasions we get to go to a Mexican [restaurant] or even Chili’s,” said Ella.

However, many are sad to end the season. For the seniors, it is their last softball season of their high school career.

“I don’t like whenever you lose your teammates at the end of the season. Every year I have to lose some of my best friends because they are seniors,” said Ella.

Despite the hardships of softball, the team has dedicated themselves to improving this season and is planning to return next year with an even better record.