The 2023 softball season at Oak Park High School is in full swing. Last season, the varsity team had a record of 13-12 in the overall season and a record of 1-7 in league. They were fourth in the Coastal Canyon League. The team lost five seniors last year but gained four transfers. 

Sophomore Cameron McGugan, a catcher on varsity, is already seeing improvement in the few practices that the team has had.

“We want to create a good team and fun environment. I’m excited to see where the season goes,” McGugan said. 

While the team might not have placed first last year, they had an overall winning season for the first time in years. Varsity coach Eric Pryor has high expectations for this season.

“I expect that we’ll challenge ourselves to make the playoffs for the first time in years. We have a tough league, but we got enough returning players with enough experience and talent to get us into the playoffs this year, so that’s what we are aiming for,” said Pryor. 

All of the players are hoping to improve from last season. Junior Sophia Silvers is hoping everyone stays positive even through hard games or streaks.

“The previous season didn’t go the best and we are prepared to do better this year,” said Silvers.

Some of the players even believe that they might go all the way and win the playoffs this year. 

“We might win CIF, beating teams we didn’t beat last year,” said sophomore and varsity player Zoe Vanderbok.

Pryor remains hopeful with the team that he has now, especially with the winning record that was achieved last year, although not in league, overall. 

“We lost 5 seniors last year and I think this year we have 4 seniors so we did lose a lot of experience last season. When I counted it up, we lost 16 seasons of varsity experience between 5 players. But the girls are working hard so I think we’re going to  do well. I think we’re going to build on last season,” said Pryor.

Overall, the girls have many goals that they are willing to work hard and overcome challenges in order to achieve their fullest potential. They are prepared to tackle any hardships ahead.