New dugouts and batting cages aren’t the only changes that await the softball team this year. Softball has been the only Haven sport with only a varsity team for four years due to a lack of participation. However, with factors like a strong incoming class and a growing sport, the extra lane of batting cages the school decided to add will be put to good use.
It’s only head coach Michael DeAngelo’s second year helping out with this team, but he understands why a JV squad is so important.
“In previous seasons, a lot of girls did not come out for the high school team from 8th grade. Having that JV program and knowing that, even if they’re not a varsity starter, they can still play a sport that I love, I think more girls will try out from now on,” DeAngelo said.
The tryout process was the first big change for the coaching staff, as there was a bigger turnout than usual. 26 girls tried out for the Haven softball team this year. As DeAngelo points out, it was the perfect number for two teams.
“This year, there was a strong freshman class, about 12 or so freshmen coming out. It was important to emphasize that we’re cutting no one,” DeAngelo. “When you have people coming out, there’s no reason to say no to anyone, especially when you’re trying to rebuild that JV program.”
One of the biggest issues with the one-team model is that many players don’t get enough playing time. The new JV squad can now offer more opportunities to some players.
“When I found out there was a JV team, I was very happy because I remember last year I had some friends on the team, and they always said that they would sit on the bench, and only the same couple of people would play,” freshman swing softball player Willow Huellemier said.
A new JV team refocuses the girls’ softball program towards establishing and maintaining a comfortable environment that athletes will want to be a part of and return to.
“When girls don’t get into games, they’re not likely to come back next year,” DeAngelo said. “Allowing freshmen who come out who may not get to see varsity action to play softball means they’re going to continue with that sport throughout their high school career.”
Concerns about the new JV team include whether or not other schools in the area will also have a JV team to field against Haven.
“I’m sure in the future, there might be a few less, but so far, we’ve only had one school that didn’t have a JV team,” freshman JV softball player Izzy Bean said.
With increased playing time, developing team camaraderie, and those 12 freshmen highlighting the growing sport, Haven Softball is evolving, creating new opportunities for athletes to come.
“We’ll watch the eighth graders across the field, and there are just so many, so I think there are a lot more opportunities coming up next,” Bean said.
