West’s Varsity Softball and Baseball teams are both traveling out-of-state this spring break to take on competitors in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

This is Varsity Baseball’s tenth year competing in Gulf Shores, and they hope to perform well enough to qualify for Regionals. 

The head varsity baseball coach, Coach Hawkins,   aspires to “Bring [the team] as close to their full         potential… and to win the Regional and Conference.”

Last year in Gulf Shores, the team went 1-3. 

Senior, Sam Beirne, hopes that this trip will allow the team to create strong bonds in the early parts of their season. He reflects on last year’s spring break  tournament, stating: “It really felt more of a vacation than a baseball trip… We played four games and the rest of our time was spent with my teammates [whom I consider family]… The trip shaped me as a player, however, because we played tough competition in Alabama and it helped establish bonds with both upperclassmen and underclassmen.” 

Since there are over 50 teams and only four advance to the finals, Coach Hawkins strives to use this trip as an opportunity to strengthen their team prior to Regionals.

“Major League Baseball has spring training to get their players ready. For us, [competing against [competing against tough competition out of state] is like our Big League spring training.”

Additionally, the softball team will travel to Gulf Shores to compete in various tournaments. 

Last year, the Lady Wildcats placed 10-0 in conference, and two school records were broken by athletes Eden Pressburger and Emily McCandless. 

This season, Senior athlete, Kenzie Fasig hopes to continue strengthening the team’s connection both on and off the field: “Goals that the seniors have for this season include winning championships, coming together as a family, and playing as a team.” 

Since teams in Gulf Shores tend to have an upper advantage in practicing in warm weather, the team greatly looks forward to experiencing different climates and earning their way to victory. 

If you’re looking to support your Lady Wildcats this season, our first game is at Central Catholic High School on March 11.