At Cypress Ranch, many girls have developed a passion for softball. 

The softball girls said their coaches, Sarah Mueller and Ashley King, help them become better by training them off-season and encouraging them to manage their responsibilities. Within their team, they motivate and cheer each other on. 

“My dad has had a passion for sports all his life, especially in baseball, so he signed me up whenever I was 5, and I have been playing since,” freshman Jiselle Vaughan said. “What makes me enjoy playing is having a good support system on the team and having teammates dedicated to the game, along with playing with understanding, compatible coaches.” 

Playing softball can improve these girls dramatically. Studies show that playing can boost your self-esteem, develop leadership skills and improve mental health. Setting goals is important.

“My main goals for this season are to balance my athletic development, such as improving in hitting, fielding and base running, including maintaining academic success,” sophomore Gianna Gonzalez said. “I want to build up a strong GPA and personal growth, including teamwork and leadership skills.”

Softball can benefit young women in many ways as they learn and grow.