As the 2016 softball season began, head coach, Julie Jones, and new assistant coach, Ted Dusman, scheduled mandatory practices four days per week. Last year the softball team had a rough season with the majority of the team being freshmen with only one returning sophomore; it was a very young team. Unfortunately, the chemistry just was not there…yet. This year, however, is a new story, a new team, and a new season. With ten returning players and two freshman, the chemistry is better than ever before. There are four mandatory days of practice during the week. These consist of two practices at Henry Ford for fundamental hitting drills in the batting cages. Coach Ted utilizes a unique way of teaching by using tools, such as the pitching machine, tennis rackets, and his favorite, the chuck-it. The other two days, the softball team shares the dome at High Velocity with the Henry Ford baseball team, incorporating hours of live hitting, game situations, and pitching. The turf allows players to slide and dive without the risk of injury. Recently to conclude the practice at High Velocity, Henry Ford’s coaches decided to bring in a CrossFit trainer to increase speed and agility in preparation for the tournament in Myrtle Beach.

This will be many of the girls’ second year at Myrtle Beach. Last year Myrtle Beach provided a great opportunity, not only for spring break but also it gave the team a chance to get closer and show their potential. Throughout the week in Myrtle Beach the team will play a total of nine games and have one day off to enjoy their spring break. The softball team leaves for Myrtle Beach on March 6. With all of the time and dedication that each player has committed, we are all excited to see the hard work pay off and win some games. Go Hawks!