When asked to think of a spring sport, the first thing to pop into most Summit students’ heads would be baseball, track and field or tennis. Few would think of softball, and this is a fact that first-year Summit softball coach Stacy Cox and her players hope to change.
Despite being a very popular sport across the country, Summit’s softball program has received little recognition in recent years and has struggled with recruiting and retaining players. Only 13 players went out for softball this season, but what the team lacks in size, they make up for in determination.
“We’re a very aggressive team and we all have fun too,” said Summit freshman Janey Korfhage. “I think it’s a really good experience.” In her first season playing Summit softball, Korfhage has been struck by the incredible team culture and strong relationships between players and coaching staff.
This positive atmosphere can be attributed to Cox, whose focus this season has been teaching her team lessons about teamwork, positivity and goal-setting. She has made an effort to support and encourage her athletes through successes and failures alike, something that they notice and appreciate.
“The coaching staff [are] so good at their job. I like how much [they] care,” said Summit freshman Nora Spitznagel.
In addition to improving team culture and teaching her athletes about perseverance and teamwork, Cox is dedicated to the expansion of the program, both in size and reputation. She has worked hard to achieve this goal, spreading word about the team through social media and arranging for an official team portrait and in-game photos to be taken. Most importantly, she has founded Jr. Storm, a youth softball team available to girls in the 12 and under and 14 and under age brackets. Cox hopes that Jr. Storm will serve as a feeder team for the Summit softball program and help cultivate an interest in softball among future Summit athletes.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the season, Summit sophomore Payton Wyant believes that the program has a bright future. She has noticed significant improvements since last season and is confident that this upward trend will continue. Cox shares this opinion and has enjoyed watching her players develop both as athletes and people.
“Every time out on the field, we are improving, and that’s progress,” said Cox. “Learning to battle for seven full innings and not back down has been our goal and they are crushing it!”
The team is certainly exceeding expectations this season, and they don’t plan on stopping until they achieve their long-term ambitions. Wyant, for one, hopes that Summit softball will win the Intermountain Conference before she graduates, and Cox wants to make it to the play-offs every season moving forward. However, Cox’s primary objective is to promote teamwork and positivity among the players she coaches.
“I want to empower girls to be their best self and realize all they can accomplish. Sky’s the limit!” said Cox.
After a streak of unsuccessful seasons, interest in the program has decreased. But with Cox at the helm and a group of players with grit and big dreams, it goes without saying that Summit softball is a team to watch. The process of rebuilding an athletic program is far from easy, but these girls are up for the challenge.
