In recent years, the Lake Shore High School’s Softball team has had significantly less participation. However, this year the team is expected to get more students to try out for the team, many of whom are freshmen.
Will Puvalowski, assistant coach of the Softball team, said, “I’m confident that we’ll have a strong season, despite being a young team with only a few upperclassmen. Our move from the White to the Blue division in the MAC should also help us secure more wins throughout the season.”
As the season approaches Puvalowski remains confident in the team, despite having more underclassmen. The transition to the Blue division is a significant change, but one that Puvalowski believes will benefit the team in the long run.
Puvalowski said, “Starting the season with a younger team will require some adjustment, but I believe the underclassmen coming in have plenty of experience, having played softball for many years. That being said, for most of them, this will be their first time facing opponents much older than them and playing in an 18U league.
Sophia VanDenstorm, junior pitcher, said, “It will be tough for them to adjust to a varsity level sport at first, but they just need to learn and power through.”
This transition is particularly important as the team steps up to a more competitive level, where the physical and mental demands are higher. While the underclassmen bring a wealth of talent and experience from their previous seasons, stepping into the 18U league means they will face athletes with a greater level of maturity and skill. For many of these younger players, adjusting to the increased speed of the game and the tougher competition will be a significant learning curve, but Puvalowski and VanDenstorm believe that they are up for the challenge.
Puvalowski said, “ We are working on growing the program and getting more students involved. Last year we started a softball program at the Middle School and it proved to be very successful in getting people interested. The team also had an impressive season, winning many games along the way. And this year we are hosting a softball camp for younger kids looking to get extra practice in.”
The new middle school program has already begun to play major roles, fostering a love for the game at an earlier age and building a solid foundation for future high school teams. Puvalowski’s initiative to expand the program is about more than just winning games—it’s about creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the local sports community, providing athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field.
As the Lake Shore High School Softball team steps into a new season, the combination of a young roster, increased participation, and a shift to a lower division presents both challenges and opportunities. Puvalowski and his players, like VanDenstorm, remain optimistic, knowing that while the transition to a more competitive level may be tough, it’s also a valuable learning experience for the team. As the season unfolds, the Lake Shore High School Softball team is ready to rise to the challenge, with a commitment to growth, perseverance, and success both on and off the field.
