After finishing second in sections last season, the Park softball team is preparing for another competitive spring. With several younger players joining the program, the focus early in the season is on building chemistry, supporting teammates and maintaining a positive culture as the team prepares for its opener.
Senior captain Azlyn McDonnell said the sense of unity will help them succeed during difficult moments throughout the season.
“Our team bond will separate us, and how hard we work together as a family,” McDonnell said. “That’ll get us through our tough games, and that it’ll come together for us.”
Senior captain Gabriella Tousignant said this season, the team has a strong emphasis on strengthening team relationships through specific activities to make the grind of the season more enjoyable.
“We make it a lot more fun this year just because we do games and we do more team bonding activities than we did last year,” Tousignant said.
Head coach Chris Gabler said early practices have mirrored this sentiment, focusing on effort and the development of a strong internal environment.
“The team has looked really good,” Gabler said. “They’re playing hard, practicing hard and cheering for each other when they make good plays, so we’re in the process of building a good team culture.”
According to McDonnell, having faith in every player in the program, including the newcomers, is the key to maintaining resilience. She said when athletes feel trusted by their teammates, they are better equipped to handle the pressure of varsity competition.
“Believing in everybody in our program, even the younger ones, if they have to step up through adversity,” McDonnell said. “Just believing in them and supporting them will help us respond.”
Tousignant said the team hopes to build a reputation for having positive energy, hoping other schools will see them as a group that thrives on unity.
“I want our team to be known for just having a lot of courage and kind of just working together,” Tousignant said. “This year will definitely be competitive, but I want us to be known as a good vibe.”
Gabler said leadership from captains and returning players is the bridge that connects the program’s history to its future as younger athletes join the varsity level.
“Returners know how I want them to play, and they can all be really good examples to the younger players coming up,” Gabler said.
Park’s softball team will open its season Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. against Benilde-St. Margaret’s at Aquila Park.
