Freshman Mia Tizol catches the ball before the opposing team reaches third base in a game against Centerville High School on April 24, with Chantilly winning 4-0.The varsity softball team began their spring season with new freshman players arriving to the team.
According to Max Preps, the team has five freshmen players this year. This is their first season of high school softball; but, for many, it’s not the first time playing the game. For example, Tizol began playing softball at 8 years old, similar to other freshman players that made the team. Tizol said her background in the sport added to her experience and skills she brought to the team, while also allowing her to be knowledgeable of the skills necessary for the game, giving her an advantage for the tryouts.
“Two weeks before tryouts started I would hit and do throwing exercises every day to get into the rhythm ,” Tizol said. “I’ve been playing this game for a while, so I worked on [the skills].”
Despite various past experiences in the sport, players hope to improve their skills this season. One way players strive to achieve this is through goal-setting and focusing on what skill they want to grow in. Some players want to develop their bowl, which is a technique for pitching, while other players want to improve their throwing skills in the outfield.
“I want to get better at my throw downs,” Tizol said. “I also want to improve on my diving when it comes to either getting back to a base or just to get a bowl.”
In between games, the team engages in bonding exercises in order to form strong communication within the group. From hosting team holiday parties to casual hang-outs, players are introduced to new friendships that grow to make the team more connected.
“Especially with the outfield, you don’t really get to see too many people besides the people next to you,” team captain and senior Rylee John said. “So having those big group events where you actually get to talk to everybody [helps us connect].”
It rained during March, the beginning of the season, leading to most games being cancelled. According to Max Preps, the CHS softball team won 7 out of 20 games during the 24-25 season, while this season they have won 3 out of 10 games as of April 29. Team manager sophomore Sofia Leeuwrik practices alongside the team and makes sure everything is in order and organized. The softball team’s next game is on May 1 against Oakton High School.
“I’ve noticed we’ve been doing really well this year compared to years before,” Leeurwrik said. “I feel like this is going to be a really good season for us.”
