Winter sports are coming to an end with many athletes transitioning from the court to the diamond, hanging up their spikes for cleats. For Norwood High School, the winter season ended on March 6, so athletes and coaches must quickly adjust to the Spring season on March 16.
Softball head coach Caitlin Nottebart shares her experience coaching and as a player herself when she was in high school.
“I started as a Freshman coach when we had more girls in 2017, and we ended up being undefeated. Then I coached JV and assisted varsity, and now this is my third year head coaching varsity,” she said.
Coach N not only has multiple years of coaching experience but also has player experience from her freshman to junior year in right field and at second base. For seniors, Coach N explains, “It is really tough because so many things are being thrown into these kids’ worlds. They have prom, style on the hill, and just so many other events, but I have found that they enjoy this sport so much that they are willing to sacrifice some of those things to be a part of the team.”
Senior CeCe Becker is one of those players Coach N is referring to. Starting her preseason, Captain Becker is a three-season athlete, with her playing soccer and basketball in the fall and winter. Playing since her freshman year, she has been a standout outfielder with her noticeable speed and passion. Becker has many goals for what she wants to accomplish in herself and bring to this team
“I think a big individual goal for me is to get better and learn my spot on the team. I want to excel in my role as captain to be a good leader and support my teammates, especially because it is so cold out and no one knows what the season is going to look like with this weather. For a team goal, I would say simply win more games.”
With the fluctuating weather between the snow and sunshine, there is no clear time when the team will be able to actually play outside on the dirt. Coach N, through these rough times, has found a light that makes the process shift from annoyance to highlights that make the beginning of the season.
“The trials of not being able to get outside because it is snowy, that forces us to work and create teams inside the gym, are not the perfect working conditions. Then later, once we get outside, there are rain delays and cancellations due to the spring weather, but no matter what, the girls find a way to bond through this. By the end of the season, a group of girls really does end up becoming a close-knit team that every coach dreams of for their players.”
Sophomore Mo Larkee has been a standout impact on the varsity team since her freshman year. Like her Captain CeCe, Mo is also a three-season athlete playing varsity field hockey and basketball when not out on the diamond. Larkee plays the majority at third base due to her quick reaction speed and strong arm. Mo started playing softball in sixth grade and has ever since she has made such an impact on Norwood softball. Mo, while noticed for her overall skills in the game, also loves this sport due to the team building Coach N refers to.
“I have always really enjoyed this team. The bus rides have always been a highlight of the season. We listen to music, and it is overall such a fun experience with everyone together. I am really just so excited to have that again this year.”
Coach N has a main goal for her team, which is to win, but also, with the low number of girls playing this year, to have really positive attitudes. “With injuries this year, the girls are going to have to be so supportive of each other and know that they all have to contribute to make the team successful. We have some really talented young players, and the coaches really want the girls to bring each other up to make themselves the best players all around.”
Lastly, Senior Captain Cici Indeck is a starting center fielder with her quick speed and great read of the ball. She plays field hockey in the fall and hockey in the winter.
“There are not many sports where you can have such individualism with such a great community behind you that supports you through it.”
