Selma High School’s softball team has been working hard all Spring, and now they’re pushing toward the end of this year’s season. Throughout this season, they’ve had some spectacular moments and some hard times. Despite this, they continue to push toward their ultimate goal of success.
Junior Emma Galaviz has “loved every second” of softball. She was inspired to play softball because of her older sister, Dezy.
“I thought she was the coolest person ever,” said Galaviz. She always pushed me to be better.”
Growing up playing softball has made the sport a part of who she is. She started with tee-ball, and worked up to school ball, and eventually travel ball. Because of her lifelong experience in softball, Emma has gained the qualities of discipline, leadership, and the ability to handle pressure. Currently, she plays left field. This season, she worked toward becoming a stronger leader.
“I just want to end the season knowing I gave it my all,” Galaviz stated. Next season, she wishes to continue pushing herself and gain exposure for college opportunities. Emma wishes for aspiring athletes to never be afraid of making mistakes.
“Mistakes are how you learn,” Galaviz explains. “Love the game. If you stay passionate and positive, you’ll grow so much as a player.”
Jayleen Sisavanh is a junior softball player who mainly plays as an outfielder. She has been in softball for eight years and was inspired to play because of her cousins, as they were involved in many sports and pushed her to get involved too.
“I ended up giving softball a try and fell in love with it,” she commented. Jayleen’s experience in the sport has been eventful. She says, “There have been many ups and downs.” Still, she loves the game and the bonds she’s constructed with her team. Throughout this season, she aimed to make it to the playoffs and create strong bonds with her peers. For her senior softball season, she has similar goals to this year: “I find it very important to have a great connection with the people around you.” She hopes for incoming athletes to push through challenges and embrace the uncomfortable. “Just live in the moment and don’t take anything on the field for granted,” Emma concluded.
Coach Tapia has pushed Selma High’s softball team to do their absolute best. Having been a coach for over 20 years, his love for coaching has become a part of him. He comments, “I love that coaching allows me to share my gift with athletes.” His goal for the remainder of the season is to head into the playoffs, ready to face every challenge that comes their way and finish strong. He wishes to continue to push his athletes and build better team chemistry. Tapia hopes that readers understand how difficult being consistently successful is in softball. He wants aspiring athletes to not be afraid and try something new. He states, “All of the hard work is worth it.”
