The softball team ended their successful season with broken records, a second-place finish at state, and a 31-5 overall record. This was the first girls team to make it to a state championship in Hastings High history. Head coach Ashley Speak had many positive words to say about this year’s team growth.
“I think we grew tremendously over the course of this year as athletes but also as people. We learned how to build trust in one another and how to work through adverse situations. We learned the importance of holding each other accountable and how to address negative situations in a positive way. While a runner up trophy is nice, the friendships and memories that we made this year are much more valuable in this thing we call life,” Speak said.
Leading up to state, the girls remained focused on their seasonal goal to be prepared for each game, even when playing against big-name teams like Skutt.
“We didn’t change our mentality heading into the postseason and it proved to be very successful. We believed that if we focused on Hasting Tiger Softball and our game, that the name on the other jersey wouldn’t matter. Our approach really focused on playing solid defense and preparing for various pitchers that we thought we would see throughout the postseason,” Speak said.
Senior Alex Curtis was the team’s catcher and a third-year captain. She is very proud to have been a part of this team for the last four years.
“ Everyone on the team played their role so perfectly and there was zero jealousy or drama amongst anyone which helped us a ton. This team was very special. I will miss them more than words can express but I am so beyond thankful that I got to call every single one of these girls my teammates,” Curtis said.
Junior Kaelan Schultz played a large role in the Tiger’s success. She was also recently named First Team All-Nebraska by the Omaha World Herald. Her love for the sport is deep.
“My favorite part about softball is the feeling it gives me and the atmosphere and the countless support of my teammates and coaches, all of it I could basically say is my favorite because there is so much to love about the game.” Schultz said.
After a year of success, five seniors played their last game. The Tigers hope to keep improving and feel that they could have just as much success in the years to come.
“We will need to put the work in to put us in a similar position next year. By returning 7 starters and our pitching staff from last year, I think it gives us a solid base to build from. We are going to be more data driven next you and work on our offense and defense approach in more detail,” Speak said.
Curtis had advice to offer to her younger teammates and the new freshman coming in next year. She believes success for the future team may come from fun, rather than just winning.
“The advice I would give to a younger player is to HAVE FUN! It is so easy to get down on yourself in this sport, but it is a sport of failure. You are not going to be perfect all the time and that is okay. I feel like just yesterday I was playing 12u Travel softball. All it took was a blink of an eye and it was over. Have fun and savor every single moment,” Curtis said.
We wish the softball Tigers success next year. Go cheer them on!
