Work on the field and off can be challenging for student-athletes. But many, like those on the EHS softball team, think of it as starting a new journey or continuing it. For players, sports help them reflect and build who they are today. Senior Makenna Keoppel is in her second year on the team, “We have a young team but it is going pretty well. It’s definitely a work in progress but the team is getting better. The season is going pretty well so far. We have won some and lost some but we definitely learned a lot.” 

Softball is a blended team from all grades who have come together to create a community.  They say they learn from each other and overcome issues on the field.  Many have found a family and say sports are the light to their darkness. 

Freshman Xalyn Sandoval has been playing sports since she was very young, “I would say attending sports has affected me in a positive way. It inspires me to do better and helps me relieve the stress in my life.”

She encourages students to join sports at Englewood High School, “because I think it’s a good stress reliever. Overall it helps with your mental health.” 

The varsity softball team has proved itself in many outings and says they have improved on the basic skills and working together. The team still feels competitive and many of the athletes are feeling good about their season.  They also know there is still work that needs to be done before they close out the season.

There are three freshmen on the varsity team including Nevaeh Vigil,  Violet Espinosa, and Xalyn Sandoval. Coming from middle school, they all have noticed changes, especially when it comes to being on the field. Playing upperclassmen, there are a lot of new rules. The seniors include Sarah Claveria and Makenna Keoppel.