At Scituate High School, tradition has long seen senior captains leading the softball team. However, this year, juniors Caroline Shinney and Maryn Noble will assume leadership roles for the 2024 season.

The players are excited for the season and have high aspirations for this year. The team was said to be preparing to do ‘#Whatever it takes’ according to Coach Barlow. 

Millie Murphy and Riley Guterl are players on the Varsity team and Coach Barlow’s quote motivates them daily. His positive attitude, no matter the situation, helps them enjoy the sport despite wins and losses. Murphy says, “’#Whatever it takes’ really motivates me…” I love that one, he’s like ‘It’s raining today- #whatever it takes though.’” Coach Barlow is the life raft of the team, keeping all players afloat with his optimistic philosophy.

Softball has been described as a low-stress, low-impact sport at Scituate High School by the players. Nevertheless, members of the SHS Softball team have personal objectives and goals for the upcoming season. Guterl hopes to “make sure we’re always hustling.” 

Barlow’s approach to sports helps players remain driven even in negative situations, allowing them to remain ambitious. As Murphy said, “It’s a mind thing.”

They have a goal of breaking their record each year. “We broke it last year at three, we just want to keep winning, yeah it’s just really motivating, especially since we have no seniors and our starting pitcher left last year,” said Guterl.  Their starting pitcher last year, Stella Beaudry was a beloved teammate who is now playing at Cushing Academy and will be missed. The team is remarkably smaller, but perhaps the new Freshman will step up to the plate.

Throughout the season the team plans many bonding activities including stretch circles, conversations before, during, and after practice, pasta parties, and group trips to Chipotle and Sweet Frog. A positive attitude and inclusive environment is vital to this year’s Softball team. It is said that a team can’t cooperate without a sense of optimism. Studies have shown that athletes who think positively about their abilities can utilize more of their potential than those who don’t believe in themselves as much. When athletes focus on the positives, they’re more likely to see improvements in their performance over time.

For Guterl and Murphy, prioritizing positivity is key, with all team members rallying around one another. When asked about fostering positivity within the team, Guterl emphasizes, “Picking up the teammates when they feel down… Positive mindset throughout, because at the end of the day, we are here to have fun.”