When the weather gets cold and snowy, most softball fields are too frozen to play on—but that doesn’t stop the Lakeview girls’ softball team. Instead, they move their game indoors, trading green grass for infield turf fields. Even though it’s winter, the team is still working hard to get better, stay active, and have fun together. The indoor season may be different, but it’s a big part of what helps them grow stronger for spring.
Every winter, the players get excited for indoor practice to start. The drills are faster, the space is smaller, and the sound of bats hitting balls bounces off the walls. It’s not always easy, but it’s a great way to keep improving while waiting for the outdoor season. The players run fielding drills, practice hitting in cages, and keep up their teamwork even when it’s too cold to play outside. The extra practice time helps them feel more ready once real games begin again.
This year’s practices have been full of energy. Everyone works together, cheering each other on and helping each other improve. The smaller gym means the players have to stay focused and move quickly, but they say that challenge makes them better. Every practice brings something new to work on, and every player has a chance to shine.
Junior Abby Waldo said the winter league really helped her improve. “Winter softball league helped me grow my skills and confidence by giving me extra practice and new challenges to get better every day,” she said.
Waldo explained that having more time to practice makes her feel more prepared when the outdoor season starts up again. The winter months help her keep her swing sharp and her confidence high.
Sophomore Rylee Barnot agreed and said she’s learned a lot—not just about playing but about teamwork too. “Winter league season has helped me improve not only as a player, but as a teammate as well. Playing on a small field with low ceilings was frustrating at times, but it ultimately pushed me to get better. I grew to look forward to indoor games because they gave me valuable reps and the chance to prepare before the real season started. I also loved being able to practice with my team. Spending that time together indoors helped us build stronger chemistry, trust each other more, and grow closer as a group. That bond will only make us better in the upcoming season.”
Even though the gym can feel cramped, the players find ways to make it fun. They laugh when someone dives for a ball, cheer when someone makes a great catch, and help each other learn from mistakes. The team stays positive and turns every challenge into a chance to grow. Working together inside the gym helps them become not just better players, but better friends too.
Junior Ella Collins said that’s one of her favorite parts about winter softball. “Winter softball training has allowed me to bond with my teammates all the while growing with and meeting new teammates,” she said.
For Collins, the offseason is just as much about friendship as it is about improving her skills.
As the days slowly get longer and spring gets closer, the team knows all their hard work indoors will pay off once they step back outside. The winter may be cold, but Lakeview’s softball players are keeping the warmth alive with their energy, support, and teamwork. When the snow melts and the fields open again, they’ll be ready—not just to play, but to play their best. Lakeview wishes the Lady Bulldogs softball team the best of luck this 2026 season!
