A sense of unity among the Topeka High softball team is motivating them to improve their game and make some friends along the way as they pursue their second state tournament this season.
One pitcher, junior Campbell Dawson, said that the best part of being on the team was connecting with her teammates and seeing how they supported each other.
“I love playing with my teammates,” Dawson said. “Especially this year. Everyone is so supportive of each other. We do so many little things for each other, like getting each other small gifts before big meets. ”
Dawson believes that her connection with her team makes her want to help her team qualify for state.
“I really want to go to state,” Dawson said. “Not just for myself, but for my team as well. I’ve been taking care of myself, performing my best every time, and I go practice outside of school because I want our team to succeed.”
The team’s only senior, Taimane Isaia, has been on varsity for four years and plays first and third base. Outside of playing the game, Isaia enjoys helping the younger players on the team and has hope in their futures.
“It’s been so lovely helping the underclassmen with their game,” Isaia said. “I enjoy being able to learn how to teach and pass my knowledge down to them. They’re gonna do so great next year.”
Isaia believes that being connected with her team helps everyone play better.
“Supporting my team emotionally has really helped them be stronger,” Isaia said. “I want them to know that even though I’m not their coach, they can always talk to me because when we’re on the same page, it helps us all play our best.”
Counselor Amanda Rush has been assistant coaching girls’ softball at Topeka High for three years, and has seen the impact Isaia has on her team.
“Taimane is great with the newer girls,” Rush said. “She’s a fantastic leader and role model for them. She’s helped them improve their game so much just by being there for them.”
However, sisterhood is not exclusive to Topeka High team members. Junior and pitcher Kenslee Young said that practicing with the girls from Cair Paravel Latin School has helped the team be more connected with their community.
“The sisterhood on our team shines in more than one way,” Young said. ”When we are off the field, we can joke around, go out together, and support one another academically. The sisterhood on the team also comes from us having Cair Paravel girls. We had to find ways to make them feel welcomed and accepted, and that led to a lot of strong friendships.”
