With softball bats in hand and gloves pulled on tightly, the girls of the softball team acclimate to their new coach, Steve Hagar, and pursue their aspirations to win the state championship. The team’s chemistry and love for the game is just what they need to get them the state title.
Hagar, who is filling in as the new coach for the softball team, sees his new role as a chance to make the girls perform.
“I see this opening as an opportunity for me,” Hagar said. “It is an honor and privilege to be the coach of such a good program.”
As any new coach would do, Hagar made some changes to the team because of “differences in philosophy of the game.” The team is still trying to develop the best lineup, which requires some position changes for returning players.
“The team is very talented and working hard to get ready for the season,” Hagar said. “We are striving to better the team each day.”
Last year, the girls made it to regional semifinals but lost to Braddock High School. The girls have high standards as they go into this year’s season.
“We expect to make it to States because we lost at a really crucial point last year, and that killed our team,” sophomore Emily Rodriguez said. “The majority of us are still upset about that, so hopefully the team will be more motivated to push ourselves, so if we don’t go to States this year then we should be going next year.”
Hagar has not made any major changes to the lineup, but has the girls practicing in different positions so the players can have a broader perspective on the game. If someone gets injured, another player can fill the position.
“He encourages us to pick each other up when we aren’t doing good [sic], and gives every girl a chance to lead the team in one way or another,” sophomore Gabriella Spallone said. “The girls as a team vibe well together. We all respect each other and are working hard towards one common goal.”
Injuries have become a primary concern after an incident during a game versus Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School. On February 10, Palmetto’s softball team played against them, and the game was going like any other. Palmetto was winning 3-0 at the top of the second inning when a player from the opposing school thought she could steal second base.
“The girl slid funny and the next thing you know she was laying on her stomach screaming bloody murder,” Rodriguez said. “It was like the scariest movie you’ve ever seen times a billion; I was there trembling, it was that bad. At one point, the doctor lifted up her leg to move it back, and her foot was just dangling; her ankle must have been shattered.”
The injury ate up about 45 minutes of game time, and the coach from the opposing team approached Hagar and allegedly stated that his team did not wish to finish the game. The game was not technically forfeited, but Palmetto’s girls will not play Krop again because Krop is not in the same district.
As the girls have high expectations to make it to states this year, Hagar may just be the spark they need.
“He is a great coach and pushes our team to reach their full potential and he also builds team morale,” Spallone said. “I hope he stays, because he seems to be very good at building team chemistry and at running efficient practices, and he is an all-around great teacher of the game.”
