Article written by: Raelynn Heintz

Just because it is their last season playing for the Stillwater Area High School softball team, does not mean that seniors Lauren Jordan and Sidnee Ronsberg are taking it easy. Both girls were named co-captains at the end of last year’s season and have since been preparing for the demands of this year.

Ronsberg is excited for this leadership role to have paved a path for her to be able to play in college, she said, “I am planning on playing softball at U-W La Crosse.”

Jordan explained that she has learned a lot from this experience.

She said, “There’s a lot of planning and organizing that that goes along with the job, but the biggest part is to be a role model. To help everyone get pumped up, and to lead by example by always working hard.” She added, “It has taught me you can’t get down on yourself you just have to keep your head up!”

The team this year is made up of an almost the same amount of sophomores, juniors and seniors. Many outsiders were skeptical if the softball team could make it to the state championship.

“The ultimate goal of the season is playing in the state tournament and coming out as a champion. If not that then we always try to put our best selves forward for each and every game and make sure we’re giving our hardest and taking away a lesson from each failure,” said senior Natalie Gerber.

Ronsberg and Jordan admit they have also been taking notes from past captains to make the season go off without a hitch.

“Previous captains have always been positive and happy and excited to be playing and thats what I hope I show and leave on the girls as well because you need to be having fun,” said Ronsberg. “I hope to show the girls that you’re most successful when you work as a team and that it takes everybody to do their job in order to have fun and win,” she added.

That is not to say that this season will not be hard work, though. Both girls admitted to accepting the responsibility somewhat blindly, being wary because of other obligations.

“With the horrible weather we’ve had we are going to have to reschedule are games. This means games almost everyday until the end of the year, it’s gonna be tough with finals coming up. But after four years I’ve gotten used to such a demanding schedule,” Jordan said.

“This year has actually been the hardest time management wise for me. The stress of college and sports and staying on top of your school work really does take a toll on you physically and mentally and eventually can affect your game. But I am doing the best I can with it as of now.” Ronsberg added.

Overall the girls are excited to have started their last season. They look forward to ending their high school athletic careers with a bang and will hopefully lead the team through a successful season.