Bear River’s Varsity softball team is swinging into action for their 2019 spring season.

Assistant Coach Jeremiah DeSart expressed his views on the team’s main goals for the season.

“We have simple and direct goals,” he said. “First and foremost, we want to compete in everything we do. One game at a time, one play at a time, and one pitch at a time. If we are successful in implementing our values and goals, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

Four softball players described their experiences playing the sport and with the team.

“I’ve been playing softball since I was four years old, so about thirteen years,” said Senior Massiel Chavez. “I have played two years on JV, and I was third base. I’ve been playing two years on Varsity. Last year, I played outfield, centerfield, rightfield, leftfield. I kind of moved all over the place. This year, I really would like to play outfield as well.”

“I have been playing softball since I was five [years old], so about eleven years,” said Shortstop Sophomore Livia Nawrocki. “This is my second year playing for Bear River.”

“I have been playing softball for about six years, and I have been playing for Bear River since freshman year,” said First Baseman Junior Tressie Costantino. 

“I have been playing softball for about eight years, and this is my second year for Bear River,” said Third Baseman Sophomore Joley Texeira.

Coach DeSart has been coaching for six years, and this is his first season at Bear River. Coach DeSart expressed why he coaches.

“I love coaching because it gives me an avenue to share what was so graciously shared with me from my coaches growing up,” he said. “I love having the opportunity to make a difference in our players lives, not only on the field, but for their future as well … It is such a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our players as it has short and long term effects. We aren’t only sharing the importance of teamwork and working hard toward a goal, but presenting a road map for each player we touch to be happy and successful in life.”

Team members revealed their opinions on having new coaches.

“It’s nice having new coaches,” said Texeira. “They’re very different from my past coaches. They teach differently, and they care. I like these coaches more.”

“It’s refreshing to have new coaches,” said Costantino. “They are really motivated and excited to help the girls, and they really want to set up a good program. They are great people.”

“The coaches are really great at supporting us,” said Chavez. “It’s super nice to have that support system that I haven’t really had for a long time playing softball. Every day, they’re out there busting their butts to help us, and they want us to treat them the same.”

The players enjoy the softball season for different reasons, and they each have their own goals.

“Having a new team, a new development, and learning how to play with each other is my favorite part,” said Nawrocki. “I hope to get better at my position.”

“I like game day,” said Costantino. “You get all dressed up, and you get to put on your uniform. We all got new uniforms, and you get to leave class early to go compete. I hope that we do the best that we can do. Personally, I hope I can do the best that I can do with my batting average this season.”

“My favorite part about the season is definitely the people,” said Chavez. “It’s been super fun being on varsity, being a senior, and having all the teammates supporting us … All the girls are nice. Last year, my hitting was not good at all. I had to bunt a lot just because I wasn’t getting on the ball correctly, so this year, I have been working very hard on that. I really hope our team gels together, and we all work well together.”