Westerville South’s softball program plans on outdoing their last season record, which ended in the first round of playoffs and placing fifth in the conference. 

 Wildcat’s head coach Emily Swank-Kavanaugh has found leadership in her captains, Jada Orr (Senior), Kaytlin (Kayti) William (Senior), and Savannah Mays (Junior). 

As a captain, you are expected to be a role model for the rest of the team, as well as set a good example of the team or program as a whole on and off the field. Williams, Orr, and Mays all shared how they have stepped into their roles as captains. 

Williams said, “Watching what I do on and off the field to be a good role model for the team and to teach others my knowledge to my best abilities.”Also, “… being able to guide the underclassmen since they’ll be taking over (the team) when I graduate.” 

Orr stated, ‘…making sure everyone is doing the right thing, helping people when they need it, and also keeping a positive atmosphere and attitude.” Mays shared, “… being a good person to talk to, and being supportive.” 

Once one season ends, preparation for the next starts.  They are using their previous record as fuel for this next season. One thing all of the captains shared was that their last season is helping push them this upcoming season. 

Another driving force this season is that they have a good feeling that teams won’t overlook them because of the success they had last season. 

Williams stated, “It feels good to know that other teams see us as a threat and that will push the team harder to challenge ourselves for all of our games.” 

Mays mentioned, “It’s good not being overlooked because we are playing the best players that the (opposing) team has to offer.” Orr shared this thought and added, “… it’ll be good competition.”

They’ve recently played in two scrimmages, the first one against Westerville Central, March 10, and the second against Olentangy Liberty, March 17, with the score being 6-1, both in which they prospectively matched up well then, unfortunately, fell short. 

Orr and Mays both shared that competitive games and rival games are really exciting for them due to the atmosphere that surrounds those games, like against fellow Westerville teams.  

With all the anticipation that goes into playing in games and practices, it’s all about the preparation, in-season, and especially off-season. Orr shared that the off-season was a great time for the team to enhance their skills individually as well as together and build team chemistry and communication, to help better succeed this season. 

Mays had a similar view and added that she was more ready physically and mentally, “…have my head screwed on straight.” Williams expressed that the off-season was “very strong”, “… we hit the weight room twice a week and had open fields. It brought the girls closer and challenged everyone to get better for the upcoming season.” 

Now that the season is in full swing, they have set some goals for themselves as well as the team. Mays stated that her goals consisted of hitting more home runs/more solid hits than last year, as well as being more vocal and increasing her batting percentage. 

Williams also noted her goals as well, which included beating the home run record, which is unknown as of right now. 

In sports sometimes there are people who really motivate you, and for these captains, they all had someone close to them who they considered their motivation. 

Williams shared that her motivation is her mom, because “she has come to all my games through the years. She’s never not cheering me on and giving her motherly advice when I need it most.” 

Orr touched on the topic as well, sharing that her’s is her dad. “He always practiced, taught, and helped (me). Without him there I wouldn’t be here / where I am at,”Orr stated.   Adding that her teammates motivate her as well, especially during games because she is doing it for them during games.

 Mays stated that hers is also her dad. “(He)Pushes me to be my best and always gives good direction.” 

In the wake of this season, the Wildcats plan to be very successful both individually and as a team. The girls’ next game takes place Friday, April 9, against Big Walnut, at home.