Blood, sweat, and tears: all for the love of the game. Newton girls’ softball is up for an exciting season with new faces, new gear, and an action plan.
Senior Arica Kern is 13 years deep into playing this sport; she has committed to Cowley College to continue her career. Kern has been attending pre-season workouts andtraining in her free time to thrive in her senior year and grow as a player, leader, and friend on the field.
¨For girls who haven’t played, I want to be there helping them as much as possible so they can grow to love the sport as much as I do,¨ Kern said.
Kern believes she is ready to face the challenges her last high school season will bring her before taking further steps as a Cowley College Tiger. In preparation for that, she wants to ¨work as hard, or if not harder.¨
This year, the softball team welcomes Jacelyn Davidson to assist Coach Brittanee Knepper.
¨I’ve played softball since I was four years old, then I played six years at the University of Louisiana,¨ Davidson said. ¨I’ve done some coaching of eight and under, ten and under.¨
With a driven passion for the sport, Davidson aims to develop the team both on and off the field, connect with all players, and remain competitive.
¨Softball has always been a part of my life, and I absolutely loved playing, so I’m super excited to get into a coaching role to help develop girls,¨ Davidson said.
Davidson has been enthusiastic about committing to this role; she is eager to work closely with Coach Knepper to determine the best plan for each athlete.
¨I would say [the most important quality in a coach is] selfless; just someone willing to put the team before themselves, and no matter what you think as a coach, you’re always going to do what’s best for your girls,¨ Davidson said.
Softball is a sport of ‘battles, ‘ a constant mental grind where players must quickly overcome failure to win the very next interaction. Beyond the scoreboard, softball is defined by the physical and psychological battles between the pitcher and batter, where every pitch counts and mental toughness is tested
¨I always really liked the quote ‘Comparison is the thief of all joy, so don’t go comparing yourself to each other on the field or off the field,’ because that will truly take your joy away,¨ Davidson said.
Sophomore Addison Zerger has been surrounded by a yellow ball and a bat for the majority of her life. She takes pride in this sport, finding herself on the school team and a club team. With such a busy schedule, but determination to grow in every aspect, life can get unorganized. Fortunately, Zerger started this year by buying a planner.
¨It has been a lifesaver, ¨ Zerger said. ¨I literally write everything down, including club meetings, sports games, practices, open gyms, and especially all my assignments.¨
Zerger was named ¨Rookie of the Year¨ by her team last season and was recognized as AVCTL D2 1st team in outfield. Zerger has experienced a wide variety of playing levels by traveling with her club team and attending recruitment camps; she attended a camp in New York, and was stunned to see all of the different levels people are at.
¨I was so grateful, and it just kind of made me step back and realize that hard work really does pay off,” Zerger said.
Zerger encourages athletes to stay calm while on the field; tension and fear can easily disrupt their performances. According to the National Institute of Health, research indicates that the mental and emotional state of a softball player is a critical, often dominant, component of overall performance, with experts estimating the mental aspect accounts for 50% to 90% of success in the game; Zerger agrees. ¨honestly softball is 90% mental. It really is super easy to get down on yourself, and slumps can truly, like, make or break your game,¨ Zerger said. Being in a slump has to be one of the worst feelings, especially when the sport is like your whole personality.¨
