Coach Heather Barnes, head coach of the Avon Park High School softball team, is gearing up for an exciting season ahead. After a rebuilding year with a young team and a new coaching staff, Coach Barnes has high hopes for this year's team. We had the privilege of speaking with Coach Barnes about the upcoming season and the players to watch out for.
The top returning players from last season include Sophomore pitcher Paisley Macias, Sophomore center fielder and pitcher Alyssa Henderson, Sophomore shortstop Skylar Hicks, Sophomore pitcher Sophia Heston, and Junior third baseman Kamya Brassell. These players were instrumental in the team's success last year and Coach Barnes expects them to continue to make a big impact this season.
Pitcher Paisley Macias was the team's ace last year, pitching 125 innings and throwing over 2,000 pitches. Not only does she have a strong arm, but she also adds to the team's offense with a batting average of .400 and 35 RBI. Alyssa Henderson, who also pitches, will be a key player in the field and at the plate. She had a batting average of .380 and a slugging percentage of .761 last season.
Skylar Hicks, who has worked hard in the off-season, will return as the team's shortstop. She was a reliable presence on the infield last year and Coach Barnes expects her batting average to improve this season. Sophia Heston, who hadn't pitched since she was 11, surprised everyone last year by being the team's number two pitcher. She will continue to be a valuable asset to the team's pitching rotation.
Junior Kamya Brassell will also be returning to play third base and possibly catch for the team. She had an impressive batting average of .500 last season and was a key player in getting on base and scoring runs for the team. Senior Marianna Salinas, who will be playing her final season as a Red Devil, is also expected to make a big impact on the team. She brings power and leadership to the team as the second baseman.
Coach Barnes looks for specific qualities in potential team captains, such as leadership, competitiveness, and a good understanding of the game. She believes that Senior Marianna Salinas and Junior Kamya Brassell have earned that role this season, as they have been playing together for years and know what Coach Barnes expects from her players.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are also important aspects of a successful team. Coach Barnes believes that having a strong bond off the field translates to success on the field. The team's senior and junior leaders, along with the close-knit nature of the team, will help to foster a positive environment for the players.
When it comes to motivating her players to push themselves to their full potential, Coach Barnes is grateful to have a team that plays travel ball together. This means that the players already have a strong work ethic and drive to succeed. Coach Barnes and her coaching staff also have a track record of getting players to college, which motivates the team to work hard and improve their skills.
Preparation for the upcoming season has not been without its challenges. The team has been working hard in the off-season, both in the weight room and on the field, to improve their strength and conditioning. With an entire team joining the weightlifting program, Coach Barnes is confident that the team will be stronger and faster this season.
The team's schedule this season will feature tougher opponents compared to last year. Coach Barnes and her coaching staff believe that this will help to push the team to their full potential and prepare them for the playoffs. They are particularly excited to play against rival teams such as Lake Placid, Lake Wales, and Labelle.
Coach Barnes' coaching philosophy is to continue to develop her young players into not only skilled ball players but also strong and confident young women. She believes that the team is still growing and maturing, and she is excited to see how they will develop this season.
In conclusion, the Avon Park High School softball team has a lot of potential this season. With a strong core of returning players and a dedicated coaching staff, they are determined to win districts and make it to a regional game. Coach Barnes is confident that her team has what it takes to be successful, and we can't wait to see them in action on the field.
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