The snow on the ground is melting, and the green grass at the softball diamond is peeking out. Indoor softball practices have begun, and athletes are gearing up for the summer season. The batting cages are filled with players perfecting their swings, and softballs fly by at the pitcher’s mounds.

The 2025 softball season opens up on May 27, with a doubleheader against Liberty High School at the West High softball diamond. Their schedule features big matchups with City, Linn Mar and Prairie as well.

The team returns nearly all its starters, as they only lost one senior last year. They aim to compete heavily this season, as their season last year ended with a loss to Marshalltown in the first round of regionals.

Among these starters are star pitchers Max Pech ’25 and Mari Butler ’26. They recorded a combined 75 strikeouts last season. And on the rise as a freshman is Savannah Mathias, who led the team in runs and hits. They are all focused on their returns to the diamond.

While the official start is still months away, the athletes are already preparing for the season. Maryssa Barnes ’26, a catcher and outfielder for the softball team, is eagerly awaiting the upcoming season. She acknowledges that they are in a rebuilding phase, but she is looking forward to the outcome.

“[Overall] I’m looking forward to growing more this season. We recently got new coaches and I’m excited to see how they rebuild the program,” Barnes said.

This will be the second year for coach Megan Carlo, who took on the head coach role last season. She has formed a staff that Barnes believes will take them to the next level.

Looking at the roster, this is a young team with lots of potential. With a team composed of several underclassmen, Barnes now looks to be a leader for her teammates.

“I’m becoming more of a leader by going to offseason practices and being a mentor to them. [I want to be able] to build connections and help them grow,” Barnes said.