The varsity softball team kicked off its 2026 season on Feb. 9 with a game against a strong Pebble Hills team. After weeks of practice and conditioning, the team was ready to finally start playing real games.

Head Coach Kevin Mills said the team has been preparing since early January. Practices have focused on fundamentals, conditioning, and making sure everyone understands their role.

“We’ve been working on being consistent and staying disciplined,” Mills said. “Opening against a good Pebble Hills team lets us see where we’re at early.”

Assistant Coach Symone Heifner said mindset has also been a big focus in practice.

“We’ve talked a lot about staying calm and confident,” Heifner said. “The first game can be nerve-racking, but we want the girls to trust their training.”

Senior Alyssa Pena said the team has been pushing each other to improve every day.

“We’ve been holding each other accountable,” Pena said. “Everyone wants to start the season strong and show what we’ve been working on.”

Junior pitcher Jaedyne Armendariz said competition during practice has helped prepare the team for tough opponents.

“Practices have been intense,” Armendariz said. “Facing a strong team first makes us more focused.”

Sophomore infielder Josephine Jaime said the team’s goal this season is to keep improving and compete in district.

“We just want to get better each game,” Jaime said. “If we stay positive and play together, we’ll be in a good spot.”

Mills said the first game is important, but it’s only the beginning of the season.

“This is just the start,” Mills said. “We’ll learn from it and keep building as the season goes on.”