Senior and co-captain Hannah Joy readies her stance on the mound as the opposite team’s batter grips her bat on home base. Joy’s first pitch lands squarely in senior and co-captain Alexis Pawlow’s mitt, but the second pitch meets the bat with a crack—and the batter sprints for first base.
“First!” The girls shout, directing the outfielders (those catching the ball) where to throw it. Junior Maya Millman grabs the softball rolling on the diamond and launches it toward first base. Sophomore Leah Laufer catches it, getting the batter out before she can even reach first. Cheers come from the dugout as those on the field high-five before returning their focus to the next play.
Last year, Great Neck South’s Varsity Girls’ Softball Team won the Conference Title. Although they placed second in the conference this year, they earned the opportunity to participate in the playoffs, marking the first time the team has reached the postseason in five years.
The key to the team’s success lies in their team composition: the seniors. Many seniors played on Little League teams before joining the varsity team, and their four years on the team add to their knowledge and experience, allowing the whole team to play at a higher level. Though Coaches Michael Holleran and Mark Spano take the lead in training the entire team, the seniors also share tips and tricks whenever the girls need. “They’re like an extension of the coaching staff,” Coach Holleran said.
The seniors also work to create a supportive and fun environment that improves the team chemistry. Pawlow said, “I think being a supportive teammate is the best way to make sure that people enjoy being on the team. As a senior and captain, I try to give the girls as much motherly love as possible.”
Senior Eva Corrales agreed, noting that she tries to be as consistent and honest in her support as possible. “I’m always cheering, even in practice when it’s something small, because I know how much that can change someone’s mindset. … I want people to feel like they belong here.” This constant cheering from all the seniors uplifts the team through both wins and losses.
Of course, that support is well felt by their underclassmen. “We joke around at practice and games, and it makes the sport more fun than serious,” said Junior Maya Millman. “[During games,] the seniors always cheer me on when I am at bat. […] If I strike out or miss a play in the field, they give me a tip on how to improve for next time.”
In addition to consistent encouragement, team bonding events like post-game dinners and productive, humorous practices strengthen the girls’ bond and teamwork—a critical skill in softball that has contributed to many of their wins.
Although the team will be losing seven seniors, their chemistry and skill level won’t disappear—instead, the juniors will step up to the plate. By the end of the season, almost all of the girls played in at least 13 games. This experience will build on the girls’ previous experience from their years on the team and boost the girls’ confidence. Furthermore, playing alongside the seniors in games and practices provides juniors with a leadership template. This template ensures that the team bond stays strong, maintaining the team’s supportive atmosphere and success.
“I hope to be as supportive as the seniors and make sure our team stays close and connected,” Millman said. “[We hope] to follow in the footsteps of the seniors this year and make it to playoffs again.”
