Photo by Jada Succes

The varsity softball team gathers around home to congratulate their team mate.

The locker room blared with music while sophomore Shelby Owens frantically strapped on her knee brace before the big game against Mansfield High School. Infielders and outfielders hustled on the field forming two separate lines to begin their game rituals. Chanting projected from the field as the girls’ varsity softball team ran toward one another to slap each others hands. Gradually forming a circle, the team began to interlock their pinkies to pray.

In the past, Mansfield High School has had a record of beating Legacy. Therefore, this year whenever the game resulted in a tie, it was considered a victory for the team. The hard work sophomore Meagan Dake and her team mates put in at practices finally paid off.

“I think that was pretty impressive for this team that has only played one game before this,” Dake said. “It shows how much potential and how far we can go this season.”

Typical practices start off with stretching and some condition techniques. Varsity girls hit the batting cages first thing while JV players move to the field. After their arms are warmed up, infielders and outfielders split up to work on specific drills. Once everyone is done with their separate workouts, the team comes together to have a total field defense with running of the bases every now and then.

“Most days everyone is smiling,” Owens said. “We make practice fun.”

This school year Legacy has hired coach and teacher Amie Prater. Along with the new coach, came team bonding once a week. The girls took part in building a vase that consisted different levels to represent what the girls were thankful for, their top priorities, things they take care of, and sand to symbolize the things that fall between the cracks. As the team continues to get closer, junior Reagan Wright creates a friendship with Coach Prater.

“She’s easy going but can be strict when needed,” Wright said. “[she] keeps everyone in line, but we always have a good time.”