Last season softball players had to deal with countless rocks all over the place but that is not an issue any longer. The NHS softball team has moved their home field to a new location. This season they will now make their home debut at Railer Field in Centennial Park on Friday, March 29, 2024.
This decision has been long awaited and ultimately impacts the softball program in nothing but an amazing way. For the first time in many years the Varsity and Junior Varsity fields will be within walking distance of each other, said head Coach Danny Park. This helps get more players experience at a Varsity level without having to drive across town on game days.
“This is my ninth year here and this is the first time Varsity and JV have been right next to each other,” Park said. “From the school’s standpoint now they don’t have to send administrators and trainers to two, three different locations. Now softball and baseball are all in the same place.”
It is also the first time in forever that baseball and softball have had the opportunity to be in the same central location. This can be extremely helpful for parents who have kids involved in both sports. Not only is this a change for parents and others involved but most importantly this is a significant change for players.
“I don’t mind it [that we are next to baseball], it’s kinda like how normal high school fields are. It has everybody in a cluster,” senior Reese McCord said. “But I think it’s better that we’re right next to our JV, which is good.”
Not only is the convenience easier for everyone with the new field but the maintenance is also upheld a lot better. Having the nicest field possible is crucial for the school to look good compared to other schools that the Railers face in competition.
“I think that having the new field helps because it’s more clean, there’s no potholes, and it gets raked often,” junior Chavi Krehbiel said.
With all of the wonderful benefits of the Railer field, it does come with its challenges. One of the biggest adversities that is being faced is the lights possibly not working by the first home game. Another issue that is sure to come is on the home opener of baseball and softball is the lack of parking space.
“[The biggest issue is] parking, there is not a lot of parking especially with baseball being right next to us,” McCord said.
Setting the field aside the team has a big season awaiting them and there are plenty of memories to look forward to creating. This team has four seniors which include, shortstop Emma Huntley, center fielder Reese McCord, third baseman Abby Koontz and pitcher Alyssa Mapes. All of them will be greatly missed but they can’t wait to have a remarkable season.
“I think that our senior class is really fun and they get along with everyone, so I just think that they bring positivity to the team,” Krehbiel said.
The program is growing each year and more girls are getting involved in softball. Although the desired amount has yet to be reached Park thinks that we could eventually get there and he would love to see more girls be involved in the sport.
“I would like to see more players involved in softball, no doubt about it,” Park said.
