This month the OHS softball team began their season with wins against Myrtle and South Panola. This season is headlined by seniors Addy Shorter, Callie Carter, Madi Jones, and new head coach Dana McGivney. Last season, the team saw a playoff berth but sadly ended with a first round exit. McGivney shares what motivation they use to be able to succeed this year.
“We want to play hard every game, have a never quit attitude, be great teammates, make the playoffs and leave a legacy,” McGivney said.
Although transitioning to a new coach has its challenges, McGivney explains how they have improved in many aspects over the offseason.
“I have seen a great deal of improvement since I got here in June, the players are working hard every day to improve their softball skill level as well as their teamwork and mental toughness,” McGivney said.
Along with improvements, many adjustments needed to be implemented to further build her relationship with the team.
“Since this is my first offseason with Oxford, the biggest adjustment for me has been implementing my system for the team,” McGivney said. “Also getting to know all of my players on a personal level helps grow the bond that we need to be successful on and off the field.”
Carter is one of the veteran leaders on the team leading the team in batting average last season. Carter believes that growing as a team is one of their main focuses this year.
“We have many goals for this season. We just entered a new district, so winning district would be a huge accomplishment for us this season,” Carter said. “I would say our main goal is growing as a team and each person taking on a leadership role. Sure, it’s fun to win, but growing as a person as well as an athlete is what it’s all about.”
Carter emphasized the work that they put in during the offseason to better improve themselves for the rest of the season.
“We have been focusing really hard on trying to hit off of live pitching,” Carter said. “We scrimmage two to three times a week which allows our defense to get action off a live hitter and our pitchers to practice pitching. So far I think it has been pretty effective and helped us out a ton.”
This offseason has not only been different for McGivney but also has been significantly different for players with the switch of districts and the coaching change.
As a senior I have really tried to take in every moment with my teammates and coaches,” Carter said. “We have been working super hard this off-season to make this last season the best for all of us. It’s going to be a tough season now that we are in a new district, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”
