Wahkiakum softball gearing up for growth

The Mules are back on the basepaths, and growth is the aim for Wahkiakum's softball season. Head Coach Kami Gray is excited about the potential of her team's development, not just this season but into the future.

The softball program at Wahkiakum has been developing and building year after year. Gray said that in the past, softball hasn't been a consistent fixture of Wahkiakum High School sports due to low participation numbers, but this season has marked a shift.

"This season, we're thrilled to see 14 athletes coming out to compete, signaling a promising shift for our program," Gray said. "With only two seniors on the roster, we have a young team brimming with potential. (It's) a foundation that excites me about our future prospects."

Being a young team does come with its share of challenges and, sometimes, lopsided results on the scoreboard. In their first game of the season against Raymond-South Bend, the Mules lost 25-5 and then fell 17-0 to Kelso.

Despite the losses, Gray is happy with how things are going early in the season and that a sense of "great chemistry" is developing. Noting the energy and coachability of the squad in practice have been "amazing to see," Gray said, "The early weeks have been focused on finding our rhythm, working on fundamental hitting and fielding techniques, and building the strong team cohesion that will be critical to our success. These young athletes are showing promise, and I'm looking forward to watching them apply the skills and strategies we've been developing in our practices."

With the Mules continuing to polish their skills and strengthen the team dynamic, Gray expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing how their hard work and dedication will translate on the field throughout the rest of the season. Stepping onto the mound and establishing herself as a promising pitcher in the circle, freshman Ryen Hurley is a player Gray has seen bringing the commitment in and out of practice; which, as Gray notes, "speaks to her potential for growth and competitiveness."

One of the veterans on the team Gray is counting on is junior Evy Hogue, who stands as the lynchpin of the Mules' defense at the shortstop position. According to Gray, Hogue's experience in the infield adds "a level of stability and strategic depth to our defensive lineup that will be crucial for our team's success."

However, Wahkiakum's team will not be built on just a few good players. Gray sees the most promising aspect of the team are the teamwide contributions that come from up and down the roster. "What's most encouraging is the collective effort of our small but eager team," she said. "Every player has been consistently at practice, showing a strong work ethic and a genuine commitment to individual and team improvement. This shared dedication is the foundation of our program's potential this season, and it's inspiring to see such enthusiasm and drive from our athletes."

For the Mules, the scoreboard isn't the "be-all, end-all," as getting the experience is invaluable for a team that's bringing a lot of young players into the fold. Gray said that many of the athletes are taking their first swing at softball, and they bring a "raw enthusiasm and willingness to learn" that is truly inspiring. "As a coach, there's nothing more rewarding than watching players discover their passion for the game, develop new skills, and grow both as athletes and teammates," Gray said.

With that mentality in mind, the goals for the season are not necessarily tied to outcomes or results. Gray wants to encourage players to become well-rounded athletes who can "read and understand the game," whether at the plate, on the mound, streaking around the bases, or chasing down hits in the field. Building a fundamental understanding of the skills and tactics of softball will offer a platform for the program's future success. By emphasizing technical skills, game intelligence, and individual player potential, Gray's goal is to create an environment where players sharpen their softball skills and develop leadership, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the game.

"Our youth programs have been working to expand participation, which helps build excitement and create a solid foundation for our future high school teams," Gray said. "Our high school athletes are committed to working with younger players, fostering mentorship, and helping to grow our softball community from the ground up."

For Gray, the lessons she wants to teach her athletes extend well outside the basepaths or the dugout. She wants to pass on life lessons of perseverance, supporting teammates, and maintaining a positive mindset even under pressure. It's not just about the sport; it's about helping these athletes "grow as competitors, students, and future leaders in their community."

One of the critical principles of the team is "controlling the controllables," which focuses on the idea that the players should concentrate their energy and attention on aspects of the game that they can directly impact.

"Mistakes and challenges are a part of the game, so being able to develop and learn skills to overcome obstacles is a crucial part of our program," Gray said. "Our goal is to equip these young athletes with mental tools that will serve them far beyond their time on the softball field, preparing them for academic challenges, future careers, and personal growth."

Baseball quick hits

Wahkiakum's baseball team has been knocking it out of the park, as they won their first three games and were undefeated going into their matchup with Naselle. However, the Mules fell 12-2 to Naselle on Tuesday, March 25. Coverage of the game will be available in next week's edition of The Eagle

Head Coach Matt Mogush has been pleased with the team's success, especially considering their starting lineup includes five freshmen. The season has been filled with standout performances through the 3-0 start. In the 8-0 win against Ocosta on Mar. 22, the team was solid defensively, committing no errors and holding down a shutout. As has become a habit, the Mules were a terror on the basepaths against Ocosta, racking up eight steals.

Pitcher Aiden Scott has been painting the corners this season, and Mogush said he hadn't given up a hit through three games. In seven innings pitched over a span of two games, Scott had piled up 14 strikeouts, which translates to a nightmare for opposing batters.

Rusty Morrison was on fire against Ocosta and went three for four at the plate, with two singles and a double. Morrison has been on a roll hitting for the Mules this season, leading the team in with an astonishing .727 batting average.Catcher Josh Moon has also been taking care of business at the plate for the Mules, batting .500 through the team's first three games.