The Lady Woodmen softball team has been preparing for the season since January, and they are ready to step up to plate.

Junior Gillian Semler, left fielder, is a leader on the team and has helped the girls adapt to losing five starters.

“We have filled the spots that were left by the seniors, and we also have a lot of younger girls. Training them has been a big priority and preparing them with routine plays and working them to fill spots,” Semmler said.

Sophomore Lillian Disney, third base, is stepping into a varsity position this season and is a big influence on the incoming freshmen.
“We’ve had to move people around because we lost most of the field and find out which position fits best for the new players,” Disney said.

Anticipation for the season is growing.

“I actually think the season is going to go well. We had a winning record last year, and I think we’ll be able to do that again this year. We have a lot of girls with experience in travel and varsity level softball, so I think we’ll be good this year,” Semmler said.

Disney got to experience a great first season last year and is hoping to continue that into her second season.

“I think the season is going to go pretty well. We are getting a new conference, so I’m hoping that we have more successful games this year,” Disney said.
A conference change is coming to Greenwood and it is going to change the trajectory of many teams, including the softball team.

“The conference change is definitely going to be the biggest change the team is going to experience, I’m also excited to see the changes in the starting line-up,” Disney said.

Change is the way to grow as a team.

“We are going to try and do more in the community. We are going to attend Lassie League games, the middle school’s games, and hold camps for the kids wanting to play softball,” Semmler said.

The incoming freshmen are imperative to team success; they provide fresh talent and new skill sets.

“We’ve had off-season practice every Monday and Wednesday, during which we do a lot of routine plays and tons of fundamental work. Doing the basic stuff can be boring, but it’s very necessary,” Semmler said.

Rivalries play a role and the Lady Woodmen have gained a few rivalries over the years, with victories against some and losses against others.
“I would say our biggest rival is probably Whiteland; we went 1-1 to them last year. I think that they are a very beatable team, and we are good enough to beat them and go 2-0 against them. Unfortunately. we fell short last year,” Semmler said.

Freshman Macie Smith, catcher, is new to the team and has been prepping for season in between her sports seasons.
“I have been going to after- school workouts and making sure I show up to Monday and Wednesday practices for the team. I’m really trying to put my face out there,” Smith said.

The Lady Woodmen kick off their season at Greenwood, they will face Speedway. It is on April 4 at 5:30 p.m.