The Hayward High School softball team is putting in the work this season, showing determination and growth with each game. Even though the season has had its share of ups and downs, the team is focused on learning, improving, and playing with heart.

The Head coach AJ’s opinion on the softball season is, “The season is going incredibly well. Our new players are learning quickly, growing with each game, and most importantly, enjoying the experience. The recent win against San Lorenzo was a great boost for the team. While the upcoming games will be challenging, the players are showing consistent improvement and a strong team spirit. There’s a lot of enthusiasm in the squad, and we truly believe we can carry this momentum forward and win the next few matches.”

Charlotte May, a senior and one of the team’s player, said that every game has helped the team get better, even when the scoreboard didn’t go their way.

“I feel like the team has learned new things to improve after every game,” May said. “The games are a learning process for the team. I enjoy playing this sport very much, so I look forward to playing each game.”

The team’s hard work paid off in one of their most exciting games of the season—a big win against rival Tennyson High School. Nana (player in the team) smashed a home run that sent the dugout into cheers, and Riley (player in the team) pitched a strong, focused game to help secure the victory.

“It was a big moment for us. We really came together that day.” said May.

Though there have been highlights, May said the team knows they still have things to work on—especially consistency. The coaches have been encouraging the players to stay focused through all seven innings, no matter the score.

“The team needs to work on consistency,” May said. “We have the talent, we just need to bring the same energy and focus every game.”

As one of the seniors on the team, May has taken on more of a leadership role this year, helping younger players stay motivated and confident. She says the team has good chemistry and is continuing to build trust on and off the field.

With a few games left in the season, the team is hoping to finish strong and return to their winning ways.

“We are looking forward to getting back to our winning ways,” May said. “We’ve been putting in the effort, and now we want to see that hard work pay off.”

No matter how the season ends, the Hayward High softball team is proud of how far they’ve come. They continue to support each other and stay focused on playing the game they love.