As the Wawasee High School softball team gears up for a new season, excitement and determination fill the air. Coach Chloe Nicole Puckett (McRobbie) has a clear vision for her team this year – to have fun, win without sacrificing that fun, and empower her players to become stronger both on and off the field. With a mix of experienced returning players and talented newcomers, the team is poised to make its mark in the Northern Lakes Conference.
Leading the pack of returning players is Evelyn Duncan, a four-year senior who received all-conference recognition last year. She brings a strong presence to the team as a pitcher, first baseman, and batter. But it's not just her skills on the field that make her special – it's her leadership and determination that set her apart. Joining her in the pitching rotation are talented freshmen Hadley Allen and Kirra Alvarez, who will also play important roles as utility players when not on the mound.
But the team's strength does not end there. Coach Puckett is also counting on several juniors to make an immediate impact on the team. Heatherlynn Holder, Abbagail Willey, and Melissa Bontrager are all versatile players who will contribute both on defense and offense. The freshman class boasts even more talent, with utility players Audra Weaver and Marijo Bontrager bringing their versatility and strong bats to the team.
In order to foster a sense of team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Puckett looks for specific qualities in her team captains. They must be positive, encouraging, and lead by example both on and off the field. This year, Hadley Allen and Kirra Alvarez are among the top contenders for this important role. But it's not just about choosing the right captains – the entire team is encouraged to bond and support each other through thick and thin.
Preparing for the season has not been without its challenges. The team has had to cope with the news that one of their own, sophomore player Ashlynn Corn, has been diagnosed with AML (leukemia). Despite the difficult news, the team has rallied together to honor Ashlynn and her struggle. They will play with her in their hearts and strive to make her proud on the field.
In terms of the team's schedule, Coach Puckett has always aimed to make it more challenging each year. This season, they will face tough opponents such as Columbia City, Carroll, Leo, East Noble, and Mishawaka. These games not only test the team's skills but also their belief in themselves and each other. Coach Puckett believes these games are crucial in determining who will be in the starting lineup and lead the team to success in both the regular season and post-season.
While her coaching style may evolve each season, Coach Puckett's focus on the mental aspect of the game remains constant. She strives to find a balance between pushing her players to be their best and showing them unwavering belief in their abilities. She also adapts her coaching style to fit the needs and goals of each individual player, whether they are looking to make friends or play at the next level. This approach has helped create a strong team culture where players feel supported and motivated to improve.
The team's training and conditioning program has also seen changes and improvements. The mental aspect of the game is given equal importance as physical training, with the team building consistent routines and working with a peak performance coach. They also focus on mental preparation and adopt coping mechanisms to deal with mistakes and errors. Additionally, they set goals for the type of player they want Wawasee Softball to represent – one with a positive attitude, strong body language, and good sportsmanship.
As the Wawasee High School softball team takes to the field this season, they are not just focused on winning games. They are determined to have fun, build strong team chemistry, and empower each other to overcome any challenges that come their way. With a talented and dedicated coach leading the way, this team is ready to make its mark and continue to grow both as players and individuals.
 has a clear vision for her team this year – to have fun, win without sacrificing that fun, and empower her players to become stronger both on and off the field. With a mix of experienced returning players and talented newcomers, the team is poised to make its mark in the Northern Lakes Conference.
Leading the pack of returning players is Evelyn Duncan, a four-year senior who received all-conference recognition last year. She brings a strong presence to the team as a pitcher, first baseman, and batter. But it's not just her skills on the field that make her special – it's her leadership and determination that set her apart. Joining her in the pitching rotation are talented freshmen Hadley Allen and Kirra Alvarez, who will also play important roles as utility players when not on the mound.
But the team's strength does not end there. Coach Puckett is also counting on several juniors to make an immediate impact on the team. Heatherlynn Holder, Abbagail Willey, and Melissa Bontrager are all versatile players who will contribute both on defense and offense. The freshman class boasts even more talent, with utility players Audra Weaver and Marijo Bontrager bringing their versatility and strong bats to the team.
In order to foster a sense of team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Puckett looks for specific qualities in her team captains. They must be positive, encouraging, and lead by example both on and off the field. This year, Hadley Allen and Kirra Alvarez are among the top contenders for this important role. But it's not just about choosing the right captains – the entire team is encouraged to bond and support each other through thick and thin.
Preparing for the season has not been without its challenges. The team has had to cope with the news that one of their own, sophomore player Ashlynn Corn, has been diagnosed with AML (leukemia). Despite the difficult news, the team has rallied together to honor Ashlynn and her struggle. They will play with her in their hearts and strive to make her proud on the field.
In terms of the team's schedule, Coach Puckett has always aimed to make it more challenging each year. This season, they will face tough opponents such as Columbia City, Carroll, Leo, East Noble, and Mishawaka. These games not only test the team's skills but also their belief in themselves and each other. Coach Puckett believes these games are crucial in determining who will be in the starting lineup and lead the team to success in both the regular season and post-season.
While her coaching style may evolve each season, Coach Puckett's focus on the mental aspect of the game remains constant. She strives to find a balance between pushing her players to be their best and showing them unwavering belief in their abilities. She also adapts her coaching style to fit the needs and goals of each individual player, whether they are looking to make friends or play at the next level. This approach has helped create a strong team culture where players feel supported and motivated to improve.
The team's training and conditioning program has also seen changes and improvements. The mental aspect of the game is given equal importance as physical training, with the team building consistent routines and working with a peak performance coach. They also focus on mental preparation and adopt coping mechanisms to deal with mistakes and errors. Additionally, they set goals for the type of player they want Wawasee Softball to represent – one with a positive attitude, strong body language, and good sportsmanship.
As the Wawasee High School softball team takes to the field this season, they are not just focused on winning games. They are determined to have fun, build strong team chemistry, and empower each other to overcome any challenges that come their way. With a talented and dedicated coach leading the way, this team is ready to make its mark and continue to grow both as players and individuals.){kind=logo}
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