Coming off of a great season going 25-3-1, the Trojan softball team is mentally ready for a triumphant year. Opening the season, ranked 2nd in our division, Valley Softball is on a mission to claim that state title. With senior captains Abrielle Jarles ('26) and Sophie Kercsmar('26) leading the team, it'll only be a matter of time until we see their wins start racking up.
Through interviewing some of the players, we find that the Trojan's softball teams main goal this year is to build a sisterhood as well as reflect Christ more on and off the field. According to senior Abrielle Jarles: "Our team word this season is Abide. In everything we do we want to Abide in Christ. Not only will that allow us to glorify Him in everything that we do but it also give our team an advantage when it comes to being unified." It is important for teams to have a motto or phrase to keep with them during a season to remind them what their goals are so having one that keeps got at the forefront is very touching.
With a new season, it brings some fresh new faces to the team. The one that stands out the most being sophomore transfer Makena Blauman ('28). Having played on the varsity softball team at her old school in San Jose, CA, she will prove to be a great benefit for the team..
The Trojans have long and strenuous schedule ahead of them but this year's softball team isn't going to stress over it one bit. That reason being is because they realize that sometimes your worst adversary can be yourself. Abrielle said it best herself when she said: "I think we will have some close games with some teams especially rivalry games, but in all honesty our biggest competition is ourselves. We have the talent to get where we want to go, we have to stay focused and put the work in to get there." With this mindset, valley will have no trouble taking on any opponent on the schedule.
Although the Trojans face a long and demanding schedule filled with tough opponents and rivalry matchups, the team remains calm and focused. Rather than worrying about external competition, they understand that their greatest challenge lies within. Abrielle captured this mindset perfectly when she said, "I think we will have some close games with some teams, especially rivalry games, but in all honesty our biggest competition is ourselves. We have the talent to get where we want to go we have to stay focused and put the work in to get there." This level of self-awareness demonstrates maturity and confidence. The team recognizes that discipline, effort, and unity will ultimately determine their success.
Coach Michael Fraley comments at the beginning of the season, saying:
"The girls are very excited to get the season going now that they are all back from Engage. Losing 2 ½ weeks of practice and games during the beginning of the season is always tough to recover from but fortunately we have almost everyone coming back from last years team and have added some new faces as well. We started the season by winning the top bracket of the Westwood tournament before the girls left for Engage. If we stay healthy and dedicated to the process we plan to make a run into the playoffs and see what we can do. We have finally added a new scoreboard that we are excited for and the fans are too. Come support your Lady Trojans if you can whether at home or away but would really like everyone's support for the Yuma Catholic game as they knocked us out of the playoffs last year in a 3-2 tight ballgame in Yuma.
With experienced leadership, a clear spiritual foundation, talented returning players, and promising new additions, the Trojan softball team is prepared for another outstanding season. Their commitment to sisterhood, faith, and personal accountability sets them apart from their competitors. If they continue to abide in their purpose, trust one another, and put in the work each day, there is little doubt that this team has what it takes to turn a strong season into a championship one.
