New softball coach offers advice to players at tryouts

Last week the spring softball program underwent tryouts, which mark the beginning of the season and serve to boost the possible players’ spirits, as well as help determine their skill levels.

One of the girls who tried out this year was junior Kirsten Hostetler, who said she always looks forward to tryouts.

“You don’t have to just sit at home and be lazy all day,” Hostetler said. “And it’s also a way to get your mind off of everything.”

The try out activities that allow her to release her thoughts tend to be the same each year.

“Mostly it’s just basics,” Hostetler said. “Definitely a lot of drills and a lot of hitting and a little bit of running and overall having fun and getting out there ready for the season. And then the last day we scrimmage each other.”

These drills have an important purpose, especially in determining the capabilities of the players.

“We’re trying to set them in situations to get their basic skill set,” varsity softball coach Jody Pruitt, who is new to the program, said. “I try to make it almost a varsity level so we can see those kids that fit into the situation.”

These situations can be difficult for the girls participating in tryouts.

“I’d probably say the running [is the most challenging for me] even though I’m supposed to be ready for it,” Hostetler said. “But it’s really not that bad. Probably to get rid of all the nerves [is the most difficult for everyone]. But adjusting to a new coach, that’s also challenging.”

Coach Pruitt has a message for the girls at tryouts to keep in mind as they push through the difficulties.

“I’d tell them there’s two things they can control: their attitude and their effort,” Coach Pruitt said.