Searcy, AR. (LP) — Our spring sports are almost in season, and the Searcy High softball athletes plus Coach Long are eagerly anticipating its start. “I am looking for each athlete to compete at their highest potential day in and day out. If we do that, then I can’t ask anymore of them,” says Coach Long. It is said by many that Coach Long is extremely supportive and encouraging while coaching. He makes sure his girls are fully prepared for the season. The team is practicing for the season by participating in hitting stations to exercise a wide range of hitting skills. They also are running infield and outfield fielding relays, as well as scrimmaging whenever they can. “We have been trying to get on the field for practice every opportunity that we can. It has been difficult the last couple of weeks because of the amount of rain we have received. We take plenty of batting practice and are using the time in pre-season to figure out a potential lineup,” Coach Long explains.
No matter how much we all hate it, times will come when you lose a game. But when these miserable losses come around, Coach Long comes in prepared. “I usually look at the scorebook and reflect on what mistakes we made that the other team capitalized on and make sure and hit those the next practice session.” No team is perfect, but Coach Long has full faith in his girls, and the athletes share his confidence. Kati Honey shares, “I have complete faith in my team, but there is always room for improvement; especially in hitting. If we lose a game, however, I will definitely practice more and work harder to get better.”
The Searcy High School softball team has all grades, 9-12, participating. Usually when freshmen are on a Varsity sport, they get treated differently. Mostly because you are new to the team and they don’t know how you act and play. Kati Honey explains, “Since I’m a freshman, I thought I would get treated differently because I’m new to the team. But that wasn’t the case. Everyone is a part of the team no matter the age.” They are their own family within the team and they wouldn’t change that for anything. The more they get along and get closer to each other, the better they will communicate on the field.
They are excited for their first game on Thursday, March 5 at the Searcy High School fields. Make sure to show up and support our girls!
