HONORING JSERRA: Softball team was off to a 7-2 start with high expectations

JSerra seniors (from left) Taylor Caudill (Boise State), Sarah Shaw (uncommitted), Jaden Hill (Columbia University), Alison Steinker (University of Northern Colorado) gathered for a picture earlier this year. (Photo courtesy JSerra softball)

JSerra Catholic High School’s softball team was off to a 7-2 start and had high hopes for the rest of the season when spring sports were cancelled throughout the state.

“The Lions were very eager to finish out the season, believing they would have their best season in the history of the program,” said JSerra Coach Katie Stith.

Coach Stith said she believed that the 2019 season when the Lions had a .500 season, was a pivotal year for the Lions as they played competitive games against many top teams and added that it would “not have been possible if it wasn’t for a major culture shift within the team. That change was led by the 2020 senior class; an extremely special group of seniors who were starters during all their years at JSerra.”

The coach added:

“When I took over this program in 2019, the four young ladies of the 2020 class expressed that they wanted to not only win championships but they also wanted to help steer our ship towards something much greater. They stood firm in the meaning of team with relation to family. They didn’t just lead by their age, but rather, their hearts. They set the tone. They helped everyone on our roster understand the meaning of buy-in and held them accountable to our team goals.

“I believe that this program will forever have this 2020 class’ mark deeply rooted in how I will run JSerra Softball.  These four seniors didn’t just succeed on the field statistically, but more importantly as a group of young ladies who I have had the honor of witnessing prepare for the next level. I know that the 2020 senior class will carry the heart of a Lion, no matter what life may throw at them.

“Thank you number number 24 Taylor Caudill, number 21 Jaden Hill, number 3 Sarah Shaw and number 4 Ali Steinker for your commitment, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

“This team and staff cannot wait to watch you on your journey through collegiate athletics. We are so proud of you and we will miss you!”

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

If you took pictures before the season, we would like to share team pictures of spring teams with our readers. These can be pictures of seniors or the entire team and we will run these throughout the coming months to salute the dedicated athletes of Orange County who have had their seasons cut short. Please email pictures, names of the players and some highlights to timburt@ocsportszone.com so we can share with our readers. Horizontal pictures similar in size to the one above work best. Please do not take pictures now for us.