Maize South High School Baseball Season Preview

It's a new season for the Maize South High School baseball team and they have high hopes for the year ahead. I had the pleasure of speaking with head coach Chad Christensen about the team's goals, top returning players, new additions, team dynamics, and more for an in-depth preview of what's to come for the team this year. It's clear that the team has set some ambitious goals for themselves this season. Coach Christensen shared that their overall team goals are to be competitive in every game, throwing 1st pitch strikes 70% of the time, winning 2 of the first 3 pitches they throw, limiting defensive errors to 2 or fewer, and having 60% or more of their at-bats be quality ABs. These goals show the team's focus on both offensive and defensive execution, as well as their determination to be a competitive force in every game they play. When asked about the top returning players this year, Coach Christensen had high praise for a group of standouts. Hunter Higgins, a catcher, was named 2nd team 5A All-State last season and will be a key player for the team both offensively and defensively. Jack Martens, Jaxon Sullivan, Tate McNew, Brock Ellis, and Brody Epke are also returning players who all received some type of AVCTL DIV 1 award last year. With a solid nucleus of talented returning players, the team has a strong foundation to build upon for the upcoming season. In addition to the well-established returning players, there are also some new additions to the team this year. Coach Christensen mentioned that they are hoping these new players can have an impact and fill some specific roles around their core group. It's clear that the team is looking for players who can contribute in various ways, whether it be on the field or in the dugout. Coach Christensen emphasized the importance of having players who are enthusiastic about the game and can rally the team when things get tough. Speaking of team dynamics, Coach Christensen shared that they allow their players to choose captains – individuals who they feel represent the team's personality. This is a great way to build team cohesion and allow players to take on leadership roles within the team. Additionally, the team likes to have friendly competitions during practices to motivate and push each other to perform at their best. These types of activities not only promote healthy competition but also foster a sense of camaraderie among teammates.