March 16, 2010

YORK, PA – While most were at home relaxing or catching up on school work during winter break, the York College softball team had other plans.

The College’s annual winter break took the Spartans to Kissimmee, Fla. where they began their 2010 campaign at the Rebel Games.

While there the Spartans rolled to an 11-1 record, including an upset win over #5 Coe 4-0.

But what happens on these trips can be more special than anything that can be accomplished on the diamond. These trips are where teams build the bonds, chemistry, and foundation for the rest of the season. When push comes to shove this is where players become teammates, and teammates become family.

“We all stayed in houses this year so after we played we got to hang out as a team and become better friends,” junior Kristen Gray (Mickleton, N.J./Kingsway Regional) said. “Establishing team chemistry off the field also helps with our chemistry on the field. It's important for everyone to get along and pick each other up.”

The Green and White, had Wednesday off and most of the players and coaches went to Disney World.

“We had a great time,” Nicole Starry, softball’s head coach, said. “For a handful of our players it was the first time they have been there.”

Spartan players weren’t the only ones in attendance during the week. Many of the players’ families joined in the activities. Including a team barbeque.

“It was great getting to meet all the girls’ families in a relaxed environment that was off the softball field,” Starry said. “We have an amazing support system [of people] who are really behind this group of young ladies.”

On the field the Spartans still have work to do to achieve their season goals.

“Overall, our trip was a great success but to reach our team goals of a CAC championship and getting into the regional tournament we have to stay focused on the present,” senior Heather Bormann (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) said. “Not necessarily forgetting about the past but to keep building on it.”

The trip was a great opportunity for the Spartans to showcase how hard the team has been working this off-season, according to Starry.

York’s trip could not have gone much better for the Spartans from a record standpoint but Starry adds there are still little things to work on as the season progresses.

“Base running, hitting certain types of pitchers, getting ahead in the count early on batters are things to work on,” Starry said. “Our team has high expectations for the season but we need to continue playing our game, the ‘York’ way.”

From here the Spartans travel to Susquehanna University before making the 2010 season home opener on Thursday, March 18, with a double-header against the Juniata Eagles. The game has a start time slated for 3:00 p.m.

“We need to continue working harder than anyone else, having fun while we do it without losing the love for the game,” Starry said. “If we can do this the sky is the limit for this group of girls.”
   
Feature written by Garrett Wampler - York College sports information student-intern