Last year was a rough year for the Garfield softball team, as a lack of players and a tough conference led to their only wins coming over a Franklin Quakers team which made Sports Illustrated for losing 64 – 0 in a game that same year.

However, even though the team remains near the bottom of the power rankings this week, they are taking crucial steps in the right direction.

“We have a record turnout this year,” said junior Sigrid Williams. “About 30 girls tried out, and we kept all of them.”

This record turnout also allows for a junior varsity team as well as much needed depth on the varsity squad, which at times last year couldn’t get enough players to field a team.

“There is a lot of new talent,” said junior infielder Rachel Alexander. “We have three varsity freshmen, and look a lot better especially offensively.”

The team has played two games so far this season, and although they have only scored one run in the two losses combined, they are playing teams much tougher than before, as they only allowed a total of five hits against a powerful Redmond squad in a losing effort. Also, they were still very much in the game until late, a feat seldom achieved in 2007.

“We lost our first two,” said Williams, but they were against tough teams, and we haven’t had much time to practice with all the rain.”

Adding to the team’s hope is new head coach and Garfield health teacher Sylvia Hahn, who brings much needed coaching experience to the team.

“Coach Hahn wants to build a new program and foundation here,” said Williams. “She brings a great attitude to the team. She wants to emphasize pitching, but because she is the only coach she can’t really do that.”

The team does lack depth at the pitcher position, but their offensive fire power continues to improve. Three-year starter Carol Brown brings a combination of talent and overall knowledge of the game, while freshman Maddie Lee provides a huge offensive boost, exemplified by her opening day homerun against the Juanita Rebels.

“We’re not about to start winning a bunch of games,” said Alexander, “that would be crazy. But were not gonna get slaughtered as much, and we’ll possibly be able to beat someone besides Franklin such as Ballard.”

No matter what the results are for this season, the softball team has a new mindset, which will lead to success in the future. With their increased talent and leadership, the softball team with time will certainly be able to climb up the ranks of the Garfield athletic food chain.

Hopefully, someone will notice.