The University of Mount Union softball team has been known to have much success. Over the past two years, the team has won OAC regular season twice, OAC tournament once, and made it to top 32 in the NCAA tournament.
The team and coaches hold the girls to a high standard that helps contribute to their success. The Raiders’ are led by team captains senior Adri George, senior Tori Sickafoose, and junior Chloe Bird. The softball team has strong returners and impressive newcomers that are sure to make their mark on the year.
“Raider fans should expect an OAC regular season and tournament championship. As well as a competitive run in the NCAA tournament. Fans should also expect a team that is having FUN,” said George.
With making a top 32 in the nation appearance the past two years, the team is ready to break the streak and go deeper in the tournament; “Some goals for our team are to win both the OAC regular season and tournament and win a regional in the NCAA tournament. Personally, I want to be the best teammate possible and lead by example for my younger teammates,” stated Sickafoose.
George currently leads the team in runs batted in with a whopping 20 runs hit in over the course of 16 games. Sickafoose has a strong glove in the field and bat at the plate, she currently leads the team in hit by pitches which is something the team has worked on in the off season. The softball team has a current record of 10-6, and has played a strong schedule to prepare them for OAC play this upcoming weekend where they will take on Heidelberg at Heidelberg.
“Raider fans should expect an OAC regular season and tournament championship. As well as a competitive run in the NCAA tournament. Fans should also expect a team that is having FUN."
Beyond softball, George and Sickafoose are exceptional people. Both George and Sickafoose are studying education and will be entering the career field this upcoming fall. They are excited to begin a career in education, and have a full circle moment as they possibly begin their coaching careers.
George and Sickafoose reflect on their time as a Purple Raider; “Mount Union has impacted my life greatly as a person and as a player. Mount Union has allowed me to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher while playing softball, and I feel I have not been sold short within either aspect. Also, the positive relationships and friends I have made on campus and within softball have impacted my life for the better,” voiced George.
“Throughout the past four years I have made friendships and relationships that I will take with me for the rest of my life both through softball and outside of softball. The last four years I have also learned a lot about myself as a person and my values that I will take with me into my career,” said Sickafoose.
Both George and Sickafoose biggest takeaways from Mount Union softball are the memories, relationships and friendships they have made, as well as helping create an uplifting supportive atmosphere for current and future softball players.
Softball is a team sport and to be successful you rely on your teammates to play their role. The team chemistry for the Raiders’ is very important and impactful. Sickafoose reflects on the team chemistry; “On the field our team is able to communicate and support one another with encouragement. We are able to celebrate small wins and our energy and passion is always evident when we are playing. Off the field we have a tight knit relationship where we are always together and having fun with each other.” George also mentions that the energy the team brings to any environment makes this team special and close like a family.
As George and Sickafoose are nearing the end of their collegiate softball careers, they have countless memories to hold onto from their years dedicated to the sport of softball. “Softball has been a huge part of my life, teaching me important life lessons that I will continue to carry with me throughout my life. Softball has helped me grow and push through tough times. Softball has also given me the opportunity to create and build positive relationships and the best of friendships,” exclaimed George.
Both George and Sickafoose grew up playing softball and it is a bittersweet feeling as their competitive years of playing come to an end; “Softball has been an opportunity for me to build meaningful relationships as well as teaching me so many invaluable life lessons,” stated Sickafoose. George and Sickafoose have left their mark on those around them and they will be remembered as more than just a softball player, they will be remembered as good people that put others before themselves.
At the end of the day, softball cannot last forever, but the friendships and relationships made will follow them as they enter a new chapter of their lives. George and Sickafoose will be missed but the team knows they are bound for success and are excited to cheer them on in the game of life.
