It is no secret that the LM softball team has struggled in recent years, often earning only a few wins each season at most. Although this season might feel the same at face value with the team currently only having one win, there are some key differences that point to a brighter future for the program. Through being spearheaded by a new and improved coaching staff, fighting through injuries, and boasting some impressive new talent that will contribute to the team for years to come, the team has been showing promise for a strong end to the season and improvement for future seasons to come.
First-year head coach Dan Milio brings high expectations for the Aces. Milio is committed to making the right adjustments in order for the Aces to do as well as possible. For example, he has occasionally had players who are still developing their batting skills bunt during games, maximizing their chances of getting on base and advancing runners while still focusing on developing their bat skills during practice. There is also a new assistant coach, Kaelah Horwath, who has playing experience and specializes in helping pitchers with hitting spots and perfecting their pitches. Captain Sydney Grunfeld ’24 explains, “The new coaching staff has resulted from the team wanting to flip the script in our history and improve our record along with getting a fresh start for the program.” Fellow captain and star pitcher Tess Oelkers ’25 believes that this year’s change has been a positive one, exclaiming that it has “been awesome to work with the coaches.” Unfortunately, a considerable amount of injuries has been testing the new coaching staff’s skills and the team as a whole.
The team’s pitching staff has been plagued by injuries this season, forcing multiple members of the team to fight through their injuries and forcing others to replace their injured teammates. Oelkers, playing through a serious injury of her own, “has pushed herself to the limits to play through many games by herself on the mound, grasping the pressure of the defense on her back,” according to Grunfeld. Oeklers has been playing softball since she was young, taught by her mother, who played softball at Gettysburg College. Grunfeld, who typically plays in the outfield or at shortstop, is one of many who have stepped up to pitch when necessary despite having little to no prior pitching experience. The team’s resilience in the face of its pitching difficulties shows that we can expect more positive things from the mound in the future.
The Aces boast their young talented players that will be contributing to the team’s success in the coming years. The new coaching staff has done a tremendous job developing the younger players as well as their players with limited experience. For example, one of the younger athletes is catcher and outfielder Evyn Robinson ’27. Grunfeld explains that Robinson has “become a driving force in both our offense and defense” and “leads off on offense without complaint.” Overall, it is clear that the new talent is benefitting the starting roster, as well as providing the team with future promise.
Despite only winning one game this season, it’s apparent that the team is heading in the right direction. Even over a short time span, Grunfeld comments, “it is clear to see an improvement in our performance as the season has progressed.” The Aces now produce less errors per game, and players’ batting skills have developed throughout the lineup. Grunfeld optimistically predicts, “I can definitely see more success in the future as many players are improving with more experience.” Oelkers continues, that even though “playing at LM definitely has its ups and downs, the program is growing and is so exciting to be a part of!”
LM softball has and still is struggling to find its footing, but there is no denying that they soon will. With a new coaching staff committed to winning, resilience in the face of injuries, and new talent streaming in, the future of the softball team is promising.
