Sports teams at Cabot High School are constantly in swing. From their off-seasons to their season starters, every team learned work ethic from the moment they joined the program.
Cabot Softball players know nothing short of work. Their days started early and ended late, with practices always being in session.
During the second week of the new school year, the softball program started its seasonal early mornings. At 6:20 am, the team rolled up to the Cabot Football field house to lift weights three days a week.
While most teams wouldn’t touch a weight, the softball program prided itself on getting stronger throughout the year. Strength and Conditioning director Brandon Jay knew just how important weight training was, and used this to better the team.
“Weight training improves athletes’ speed, agility, strength, power, and endurance in practice and game situations,” Jay said. “It can also better an athlete’s mental toughness, like confidence and self-discipline.”
Some programs are usually done after that; however, that’s just the start for Cabot Softball. During 7th period every day, the softball team starts practice.
Every day is something different. Whether that be a defensive or offensive practice, players are worked from the start of the period till around 5:00 pm. Senior Allee Autry was lucky to have such a variety of practices, and she loved to be a part of them.
“Our practices have always been very structured, but that’s what I love about them,” Autry said. “I enjoy my teammates and the uplifting atmosphere always.”
For fielding lovers, defensive practice was heaven. The team began practice with throwing progressions and drills that improved their glove work, throwing, and reflexes.
After the everyday drills, players can get position work in. Each player is sent to their position and hit ground or fly balls, depending on what the team needs to work on that day.
For most players dedicated to the program, these practices are where they can focus on not just themselves, but also how the team works together as a whole. Autry could see the team chemistry working not just outside of practice, but within it.
“Whenever we practice, it’s like we all click,” Autry said. “Especially during defensive practices, which is where everyone must work together to make plays.”
Defense will always be an important part of the game; however, offense is where you score the runs to win. Offensive practices are taken very seriously, with multiple stations dedicated to different parts of the player’s swings.
During an offensive practice, live-arm pitching, machines, and tee work are built into the hitting rotation every practice. No matter what the station, players are worked with every step of the way to make sure their swing is working perfectly.
For most players, hitting is where the mental side of the game comes into full gear. Hitting off a live pitcher can be difficult and nerve-racking, especially without proper training. Sophomore Natalie Hill could see the difference in her swings after just one practice.
“I think that the hitting practices are a good way to have fun, but to also get work in,” Hill said. “My hitting is consistently getting better because of the amount of reps we do.”
While the team is heavily focused on the basics, they also incorporate other sports into their weekly routine, like cross country. Every Wednesday and Friday, the team runs a mile around the schools of Cabot. Head softball coach Christopher Cope believed that this wouldn’t only get the team faster but also strengthen the mental side of his players as well.
“We incorporate sprint drills, interval running, and distance running in our everyday practices,” Cope said. “Running helps the team’s cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and overall endurance, which is crucial for maintaining energy during a tough game schedule.”
With the program in full swing year-round, it was easy to get caught up in burnout. However, with the skills and good attitudes coming out better after every practice, senior Mileena Poe cannot wait for the season to start.
“I’m excited to see how far we can go and how well we work with each other,” Poe said. “I’m ready to play my last season with the people I love, and hopefully end on a good note.”
