As the 2024 softball season begins for our Lady Dubs, some things aren’t quite the same as last year. With GHSA removing the 7-A classification, the Warriors have stumbled upon some new opponents. With that challenge comes another, as a handful of new faces for the team will suit up for the first time. Having to take on not only new teams but also having to build team chemistry after losing many key players will certainly not be easy, but behind the leadership of key seniors and coaches, all will surely be ok.
With the adjustments to the GHSA regions this year, North Atlanta has been forced to make the long haul all the way to Forsyth County, where many of their opponents lie. This ride is certainly no easy journey, being over 40 minutes long with terrible traffic through in through. Center fielder Mari Madrigal has some mixed opinions on the longer travels for region games. “Having to sit in that hot steamy bus for such a long ride is absolutely miserable, but at least we get released from class earlier,” said Madrigal.
The 2024 season has also brought along a promising new freshman class on the softball diamond. These additions to the team have not only just begun their freshman year of high school, but have also laid the foundation for a long flourishing career at NAHS. However, there has been one freshman in particular that has stood out during her early days on the field, Sydney Pechter, a name you need to remember. “I just love to play wherever the coach puts me, I love showing off my glove skills no matter where I am,” said Pechter.
Following the 2023 season, the team took a massive hit losing many key players that allowed them to win their region. But lucky for the Warriors, a Lebron James and D-Wade caliber duo is guiding them. Behind the pitching of seniors Vivian Carroll and Charlotte Smith the rest of the team is in good hands. “When I’m not pitching and see Charlotte walk out to the mound I immediately take a sigh of relief, she is that dominant on the mound,” said Carroll.
The two-headed monster of Vivian and Charlotte has struck fear into opponents to start off the year. Both senior pitchers have averaged 8 strikeouts per 7 innings early on. Although the team isn’t having their best fielding year as they are averaging 7 errors a game. “Mistakes are gonna happen early on, especially with such a young core, but I’m not worried at all, I have complete faith in my girls,” said Smith.
With all the moving parts this early in the season, it has been tough for the girls to settle in. Even with an unfavorable start, they have a long season ahead of them with lots of opportunities to learn and grow. With their star power and Coach Plantae leading the way, the North Atlanta softball community can sleep soundly. The future is bright on the diamond for the Lady Dubs of NAHS.
