The sun reflects off the shiny, metal fences as a player steps up to bat. The dew coated grass sparkles against the reddish-brown dirt that covers the field. Students gather in the stands to support Etowah’s softball team as they compete throughout the year.  

The 2021 softball season started on Aug. 2. Thus far, the team has won eight of their games, despite several rainouts, and they hope to qualify for the state tournament. The girls will find out the region seatings, the list of the top four teams of the region, to compete in play-offs near the end of September. Sectional games follow regionals, and the season ends with the top eight teams competing in a tournament. 

“It would be so special if we made it to the state tournament because I think that is every softball team in the state’s goal, and it would mean our hard work paid off,” Brionna Condon, senior, said. 

Victoria Brown, head softball coach, math and P.E. teacher at Etowah High School, hosted softball tryouts in May. There were three days of tryouts, as well as a scrimmage, to decide the members of the JV and Varsity teams. 

“What we end up doing is deciding who is on the team as a whole and then take a couple of days in the summer to gage the girls’ skill levels,” Brown said.  

The team had three days of workouts weekly throughout the summer. Two of the days, the girls practiced on the field to work on individual infield and outfield positions along with strength and conditioning. The third day consisted of a full field practice before a weight training session.  

“We get to bond over summer and have a feel of what it will eventually feel like when the actual season begins,” Cara Holland, sophomore, said. 

Stay tuned to see how far the Lady Eagles Softball Teams flies in this 2021 season. Come support the Varsity Team on Oct. 5, at a home game against Cherokee. Click here to purchase tickets.