It’s almost time to pitch into the softball season at H-F, which means that the softball team is starting to prepare for the upcoming spring season.

H-F’s softball team is starting to prepare for the season by doing different skills such as outfield and infield drills. They started off-season practices in November and have open turf days where anyone can come and participate, according to senior player Elodie Sullivan. 

“We have had winter workouts since November and, once we start the season up, we will be working hard every day to build as a team,” Sullivan said. “We also have had some team meetings inviting everyone out to see what the seasons could look like.”

At practices, it might not look the same for everyone on the team due to the different positions in the sport. For example, a pitcher would be performing different drills from an outfielder. 

“For me, I’m a pitcher and I have to pitch 100 pitches every practice,” senior pitcher Kaylee Vitolka said.

According to head coach Corinne Zimmerman, the major goal for the season is to win more conference games. She is also hopeful that the team will get to Regionals.

“I want more conference wins. The ideal being .500. We picked up a big conference win last year against Lincoln-Way East, and hope to keep up with that success,” Zimmerman stated. “Then we will likely to win a Regional this year.”

As it gets closer to the season, the team’s chemistry has been stable and consistently growing.

“The team chemistry is building every practice but I would say we’re all pretty close since we all grew up playing together,” according to Vitolka.

They are also planning to work on some skills such as throwing progression, defense and hitting before the season starts in March. 

“I wouldn’t say struggling, but there is room for opportunity. Right now, depth opposition can be looked at as room for improvement,” Zimmerman stated. “The team’s chemistry is building every practice.”

Sullivan is excited about making new memories since this is her last year, and also believes that this year’s team is very competitive.

“Since this is my senior year, I look forward to making more memories and finishing out my H-F career strong,” Sullivan said. “I also think we are going to be very competitive this year so I’m excited to see how we do.”

Vitolka looks forward to creating a closer bond with her teammates.

“I am looking forward to becoming close with my teammates and making memories for my last season in high school,” Vitolka said.

The first official game of the season is March 18 against Shepard. 

Last updated on 03/11/25