University softball team prepares for first game

After months of practice, the inaugural Montevallo softball team will face its first opponent on Feb. 1. Photo by Katie Compton.

The University of Montevallo softball team has their first game in school history on Feb. 1 against the University of West Alabama at the new University of Montevallo Softball Stadium, located in Orr Park.

With players and coaches brought in from all over the country, the team is already working well together. “We have the talent and coaching staff to be competitors against West Alabama,” says third baseman and freshman Kaitlynn Thomson. “We should come out strong and immediately make an impact. Coach Vanover has extremely high expectations for us as a program. She wants us to be winners on and off the field. We are going to do our best to make her proud,” says Thomson.

Coach Lindsay Vanover comes from a history of bringing out the best in softball players and is looking forward to their first game. “The girls have put in their best effort in preparation for this season,” Vanover says. “With any new team, you are going to have growing pains. I have seen these women come together quickly as they have worked toward a common goal. I believe they will play their hardest to get this season off to a good start.”

Other students in the gym have noticed the team exercising faithfully this year. “I would not want to be faced with these girls on the field. They work hard and don’t give up easily,” said junior Lauren Headrick.