The Homewood varsity softball team is ready to start this year’s campaign.

The team has diligently prepared for the upcoming season, practicing every weekday for three hours since December. These pre-season practices focus on building camaraderie and improving fundamentals.

Many of the leaders from last year’s squad graduated, however head coach Arica Moss has high hopes for the upcoming season. An “entirely new lineup” includes a wide range of players from seventh graders to seniors.

There is no middle school team this season as many younger athletes were urged to try out for the JV and varsity teams.

Moss says she has put a lot of time and effort into developing this young squad. Despite their youth, the group has lots of talent and has worked hard to be as strong as possible. Returning first baseman Emma Lawrence believes the turnover in upperclassmen does not have to be a negative. 

“The loss of many of the upperclassmen from last year’s lineup has changed the team on the field, along with the team’s dynamic,” Lawrence said.

The squad is aiming to do well in this season’s sectional tournament. Last year’s team played well in the tournament, but got knocked out by Chelsea High School in the second round.

Softball opens its regular season by hosting Clay Chalkville on Feb. 21st.