The softball team is adjusting to what the senior players are leaving behind, and are continuing to keep their team in the same positive mindset moving forward.
It has been a long four years with these seniors, and their departure will leave not only a gap of leadership, but a loss of close friendships. These three seniors have taught their teammates so much throughout their time here at Bishop Gorman and will continue to leave a lasting impact on the teammates they shared some of their time with.
Preslee Smith ‘25 said, “It’s kind of bittersweet, although it’s exciting to move on, it’s sad to leave everyone behind.” Smith has been a part of the softball program for most of her life with her dad being the coach, and has always been there to ensure the team’s success.
Losing the seniors will be hard on the team. Paige Nagamine ‘26 said,“I think the seniors play a big role in our success so far.”
Smith said she will miss, “the coaches and the girls that I’ve met. My coaches made such an impact on me, which makes me more sad to leave.”
Smith personally impacted one player, Samantha Lefever ‘26, who said, “She really understands what’s asked of her and the value and the meaning this program has.”
Gianna Hornyack ‘25 and Brooklyn Hicks ‘25 have been on varsity all four years of their high school careers, and both had great experiences playing in high school.
Hornyack does have plans to continue her softball career at Central Methodist University in Missouri.
Regarding her final season with this team, Hornyak said she thinks “this team has more potential than in the past.”
Tiffany Gonzales ‘26 is a close friend of Hornyak, and she said, “Gianna has been a huge impact on my life with being able to find the balance of messing around and being serious. She is one of my best friends and she will forever have a huge impact on my softball career.”
There is a lot Hicks will miss from the program, “I’ll miss getting close with the other girls and making new friends,” Hicks said.
Nagamine said Hicks is, “really important to our team,” and has “shaped…how we play.”
Both Hicks and Hornyak’s most memorable moments were winning state their sophomore and freshman years.
The seniors gave some advice to upcoming and current players. Hicks advised, “Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s never that deep.” Smith told the new players planning to join the team to “have fun, take it all in, and trust the process.”
Gonzales said, “I think the team will stay strong, I do think we will have to regroup once they leave because these seniors have been a vital part of our softball program.”
Nagamine said, “It’ll be hard on us but I think that we can shape up and carry on.”
Losing seniors in any sport is difficult, but by remembering the way they played and their leadership, the team will be able to be successful in future seasons.
