As the new season approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air for the team at Timberline High School. After a successful season last year, the team is determined and motivated to take their game to the next level and bring home some hardware for the trophy case. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Lynsi Polanco, who shared her insights on the upcoming season and the players to watch out for.
One of the strengths of the team this year is the strong core of returning players. Coach Polanco highlighted the top returning players from last season and what makes them special. Leading the pack is Kaylesse Dorfner, the team's catcher who is expected to be a leader on and off the field. Coach Polanco described her as a "beast" last year and believes she has only gotten better this season. With new pitchers on the team, Dorfner's experience and leadership will be crucial to their success.
Another player to watch out for is Neveah Haagen, who was unfortunately sidelined due to an injury last season. However, she is expected to make a strong comeback and fill the role of last year's senior and state leader, Jasmyn Polanco. Coach Polanco believes that Haagen's similar build and skills will make her a powerhouse on the mound, at the plate, and in the field.
As for new players, Coach Polanco has high expectations for three freshmen, Porsha Miller, Maddie Gilmore, and Gabby Frost. All three possess the qualities of a strong player - they can hit, have speed, and can play any position on the field. Their versatility and skills will be a great addition to the team and provide valuable support for the pitchers.
When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Polanco looks for qualities such as leadership, accountability, and the ability to motivate and inspire their teammates. Currently, there are no official captains on the team, but several players are battling for the role. Coach Polanco believes that having strong leaders on the team is crucial for success and is confident that the chosen captains will lead the team to victory.
A major factor in the team's success is their motivation and drive to push themselves to their full potential. Coach Polanco believes that it is important to have a balance between hard work and fun activities outside of the game and practices. This includes watching college games and analyzing plays to better understand the game, as well as engaging in team-building activities such as escape rooms. These activities not only build trust and camaraderie among the players but also allow them to relax and play their best on the field.
Of course, preparing for the season also comes with its challenges. For Coach Polanco and her team, one of the biggest challenges is instilling accountability in the players. She believes that taking accountability and self-reflecting not only builds trust among teammates but also helps players see where they can improve and problem-solve together. This not only benefits the team on the field but also teaches valuable life lessons that will serve the players beyond high school and softball.
Looking at the team's schedule for this season, Coach Polanco acknowledges that they are a young team with a large freshman class. With only a couple of seniors on varsity, the youth of the team may have caught up with them last season. However, this has only motivated the returners to come back stronger this year and make a name for themselves. The team will face tough opponents, but they are ready for the challenge and determined to make their mark in the league.
In conclusion, the team at Timberline High School is ready to take on the new season with determination, hard work, and a strong chemistry among teammates. With a mix of experienced players and promising new talent, the team is poised for success. Coach Polanco and her coaching staff are dedicated to helping the players reach their full potential and achieve their goal of making it to the state tournament. The season ahead is sure to be an exciting one for the Timberline High School softball team, and fans can look forward to seeing them in action on the field.
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