
Senior Erin Jackson prepared to hit a great ball in the 2024 season.
On January 31st, students at Seven Hills received unfortunate news—there will be no softball team this season. This decision is a tough blow for many athletes and fans, leaving student-athletes without a team to compete for and a sport they love missing from the school’s spring lineup.
The reason behind the cancellation is a lack of interested players and miscommunication between coaches and players. Now, players who were looking forward to stepping onto the field this spring are left without a season.
“I think it’s pretty sad that we don’t have a team this year because we had a lot of new freshmen last year that were great additions to the team and made the team a lot better,” said senior Erin Jackson, a returning player. “It’s always been a great way to end the school year and enjoy the last few months with the seniors that I’ve played with for years.”
Softball has long been a valued sport at Seven Hills, offering students a chance to build teamwork, discipline, and friendships. Many players reflect on their past seasons with fond memories. “[One of my] highlights from my career would be the game-ending catch against one of our conference rivals at the beginning of my sophomore season,” Jackson said. Memories like these make the absence of the team even more disappointing.
However, many players are hopeful for the program’s future. Seniors Annie Katuska and Erin Jackson hope that the program will be able to regrow in the future and make a comeback. Katuska said, “I hope the program will have a bright future, but the number of interested players has declined over the years.”
While this season may be lost, efforts to rebuild the program for the future are already beginning. “Although recruiting softball players is often hard at Seven Hills, the small team is nice because we can bond and become close friends,” said Katuska. Kutuska’s input highlights the benefits of having a smaller team. Students and parents are discussing ways to increase recruitment, raise awareness, and ensure that softball remains part of Seven Hills’ athletic program in the years to come.
For now, players must wait and hope for a possible softball comeback. If you are interested in helping bring back the softball team, consider reaching out to school administrators, athletic directors, or student organizations to voice your support. With enough effort, the team could return stronger than ever.