Sliding Into Their Final Season

As the softball season is coming to a start, here’s what the 6 seniors have to say about their final upcoming season.

By: Reagan King and Clara Houser

The Varsity team is coming back from an all around record of 17-10-1, and with a league record of 9-1 leading them to win EYL.

Isabella Valdez ’24, is a four year varsity member and is signed to continue her athletic and academic career at Oregon State University.

She says, “I am very excited for the season, but also sad all at the same time.” Valdez says, “I remember being a freshman and thinking this time was so far away, and now I’m here playing with my team for the last time and it’s such a bittersweet feeling.”

Valdez says, “I’d say I have grown a lot since freshman year, on and off the field. I stopped playing for me as much, and started thinking more about the team. My game has become so much smoother and I found more confidence within myself, while also making sure to always have fun.”

She finishes by saying, “I’ve got to see the new people get added to a team I’ve been on since I was 13. These past years I was given sisters and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Shelby Somavia ’24, is also a four year varisty member who plans to continue her academic and athletic career at COS.

Somavia says, “I am supper excited for this season, but sad at the same time because this is it. I never thought it would come this fast, but here I am playing one last season with my team.”

“We are truly blessed with a lot of talent in our program.” Somavia says, “The gaps from last years seniors won’t be as hard to fill. Our seniors were very important and played a big role but now it’s our turn to step into that role and lead our team.”

She finishes by saying, “Playing on varsity for four years was truly an amazing experience. I’ve been able to create so many new friendships, I have seen our program change for the better, and I’ve been able to play at a higher level, which is amazing.”

Makayla Sanchez ’24, says, “I’m very excited to see how well all of our practices pay off. We’ve been practicing very hard on weekdays and weekends to be the best we can.”

Sanchez says, “Knowing this is my last season with the team is very sad. I’ve made so many amazing connections and friendships over the years, and having the opportunity to play for this program is truly amazing and I will miss every part of it.”

“Covid was a very unfortunate event that took away a lot of opportunities from us my freshman year, on the field and off.” Sanchez says, “Even though it wasn’t the easiest we worked as a team to be the best that we could.”

She finishes by saying, “I don’t plan on moving forward with softball in college. I absolutely love the game, but after high school I want to focus on my career.”

Alexis Lopez ‘24, is committed to Chaminade University of Honolulu where she will be playing Division 2 Softball.

Lopez says, “I’m excited to be a senior, but it’s also sad at the same time because I love my teammates and don’t want to leave yet.”

She continues, “I have learned so much about the game and playing at this level. I think just working as a team overall and how to be cohesive as a team, has really changed over the course of four years.”

Lopez finishes with, “I’m excited to see our senior night and seeing how well our families are decorating stuff because they are always very supportive.”

Ariana Valencia, ‘24 is a four year varsity member. This year will be her last season playing softball, but she is excited to see her teammates move on in to college with their softball career.

Valencia says, “In this last season, I really want to make sure it goes good and we that all have fun, and for me it will be the last time that I’m playing so I want it to be a good season.”

She continues with, “I look forward to keeping these friendships going on and staying in contact with the coaches, and just keeping what I learned on the field in to life as long as it is going in to school.”

Valencia finishes with, “Well those seniors [Morgan Bradford ‘23, Alina Hernandez ‘23, and Michaela Brown ‘23], they left a big hole in hearts they were so fun to have around. It’s good to see Michaela and Morgan playing in college and keeping up with them, and they visited us so it’s been really fun to see them and hear about their college experiences.”

Kendra Estrada, ‘24, says, “I’m very sad that it is close to the end, but i’ve definitely had a blast with these girls and coaches.”

“I’m excited for the redwood tournament, it should be a lot of fun especially it being our last one,” Estrada continues to say, “I feel I improved a ton since my freshman year, I feel a lot stronger.”

When asked about the coaching changes, Valencia says, “Well I’ve known these coaches previously before they came here, so I was really happy to have them. I’ve grown a close bond with them so it’s made me look forward more toward this season.”

Lopez adds on and says, “It’s honestly a lot better because we have way more input and it’s really nice to hear so many opinions and I really enjoy having a big coaching staff because of it.”

Head Coach Stevi Johnson is back for her 3rd season with the Varsity team. She says, “I feel so happy to have been given the opportunity to work with these girls. Knowing I have been apart of their journey makes me feel extremely grateful.”

She says, “I have enjoyed being around this group of seniors the last 3 years since I started coaching here. Of course it makes me sad to see them go, knowing the impact they make on our program. However, I am beyond proud of the women they have become and can’t wait to see them thrive once they graduate.”

She finishes by saying, “Every day we have practice, the thing I look forward to most is continuing to create and build those relationships with the players. They also each have their own personalities, because of that practice never has a dull moment, making the ending to my day filled with fun and laughter which I appreciate.”

Tags: seniors, softball, varsity