As the 2024 softball season is approaching, Senior Sayla Stock has a huge season ahead of her. During the season she is looking “forward to playing with her teammates, and the underclass one last time on senior night.” says Stock. Looking at her last three years on the team Stock says that “[Her] favorite softball memory was hitting a homerun against fishers last year during sectionals.”  

Over the years HSE Softball has been an exceeding program and with Stock on the team and in the program, they have a bright season ahead of them. One of the biggest things Softball taught Stock was to “always be there for her teammates and to get excited for their achievements.” Stock is big on being there for a teammate, knowing that softball is a team sport, rather than individual. Also knowing she would want the same in return, Stock continues to build relationships with her teammates.  

Fighting at Sectionals last year, the Royals fell short of a State Title leaving unfinished business for this season. They began preparing for the upcoming season. The softball team has been “in the weight room all fall and winter to get stronger mentally and physically on and off the field.” said Stock.  “On Saturdays we have hitting practice, I also play on a travel team that plays throughout the off season.” explained Stock.  

The team is expecting to finish strong this year, and even clinch themselves an IHSAA State Title. The positive atmosphere made from the team’s support affects your overall performance in games and in practice. “During games when the dugout is loud and cheering, it makes the game so much more fun,” Stock said. “It gets the people in the crowd more excited.” To contribute to this excitement, make sure to show up and show out to see this year’s softball team win big, starting with their home opener against Carmel on March 19th at 6:30 pm.