RIALTO HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL 2024 Season Preview(CA)

As the head coach of the softball team at Rialto High School, Sydney McCarthy has high hopes for the upcoming season. Her focus is on creating a safe and positive environment for everyone involved – coaches, players, and parents – and promoting strong communication among the team. McCarthy believes that body language and attitude are crucial factors in achieving success, both on and off the field. With a mantra of "putting the ball in play and getting runners on base," Coach McCarthy has built a strong and cohesive team that is ready to take on the competition this year. When asked about the top players on the roster, McCarthy immediately points to the pitching duo of Rylee Estrada and Natalie Pedroza. Both starting pitchers for the varsity team, Estrada also excels as a center fielder while Pedroza is a force at first base. These two players have worked hard to prepare for this season and McCarthy is excited to see what they will accomplish on the field. On the offensive side, junior Desiree Saldate and senior Samantha Artaza are key players with a high on-base percentage. These versatile athletes are known to flex between the 3, 4, and 5 spots in the lineup, and McCarthy is hopeful that their hot streaks will continue into their junior and senior seasons. In addition to the returning players, there are some new additions to the varsity roster who are sure to make an impact. Freshmen Janelle Gomez and Brooklyn Gaytan have impressed McCarthy with their skills and work ethic, while Delilah Perez, a junior, has shown versatility on the field playing multiple positions. McCarthy believes these young players have a lot of potential and are already proving to be valuable assets to her team. As a coach, McCarthy has a clear set of qualities she looks for in a team captain. These include maintaining control of the game and players' attitudes, keeping practices and games running smoothly and on time, showing respect to all teammates, and lessening the load for coaches. She believes that consistency in attendance, attitude, and work ethic is vital to a team's success. Prior to the winter break, McCarthy held a meeting with each student athlete to go over their goals and expectations for the upcoming season. She is thrilled to see the team building and communication among the players, and believes that this year's team is the best equipped to fulfill her expectations and give their all on and off the field.