On South High’s diamond field, a girl pitches an underhand throw, sending a medium-sized yellow ball barreling toward the batter. Thud! The bat cuts through the shuffling of cleats and the rising cheers from the dugout. Then, a game of tag begins. The batter dashes for second base as the fielders try to tap the runner or beat her there.
This season, these moments have become the rhythm of a team that refuses to let up. The girls varsity softball team maintained an undefeated conference streak and secured the conference champion title. These major victories can be partially attributed to their pitcher, Junior Hannah Joy. Junior Alexis Pawlow, one of three captains, said, “My favorite memory this season was when Hannah reached 100 strikeouts at our game against Sewanhaka.” Joy totaled 290 strikeouts, ranking first on the softball strikeout leaders list for Nassau County.
Despite their achievements, the team faces challenges in experience and participation. Pawlow explained, “Since we didn’t have the Little League team for elementary school, it was difficult for a lot of the girls coming into middle school who were playing for the first time.”
To make matters worse, there were not enough girls to field a team at South Middle this year, meaning current middle schoolers may be playing for the first time once they reach high school. However, Coach Holleran, softball mentor for over 20 years, focuses on helping his players gain as much experience as possible. “We work on the fundamentals—throwing, catching, infield, outfield,” said Coach Holleran. He also schedules extra practices over weekends and breaks.
Another challenge is the miniscule playing time for underclassmen. Those players formed an unofficial junior varsity team, scrimmaging against other JV teams in Nassau County. These unscored games give younger athletes the chance to develop in-game decision-making skills. “We have strong players this season, but I think next year we’re going to have even more because we’re all growing together,” said Pawlow.
The team’s bond expands beyond practices and games. While the players span all grades, senior Michelle Harris explained, “While [the underclassmen] look up to me, it’s more of a friendship than anything formal.”
The team also plans to use its upperclassmen heavy roster to inspire future players. “It’s so rewarding getting to guide and lead by example for the younger girls, especially the freshmen and sophomores,” said Pawlow, who describes her role as almost mother-like. “I want [the underclassmen] to do amazing. I’m always rooting for them, and being a captain, alongside Michelle and Hannah, has really helped bring a sense of family to the team.”
“Looking back now, it’s crazy—because those same teammates I was nervous to meet are now my closest friends. It’s where I found my people,” Harris added.
