Lake Roosevelt High School 2023 softball season began practice Feb. 27 at the Grand Coulee Middle School.

The team is very young this year with only two seniors, Aaliyah Marchand and Penelope Antione. The team has 16 girls, mostly underclassmen and lots of beginners. The team and coaches have big goals for this season. There is already so much improvement just within the two weeks of practice. 

“My goal for this season is to create a championship culture and place at the state tournament.” Says Head Coach Jaci Gross.

All coaches have roughly the same ideas for the season with the same end goal, but mostly, have fun.

“My goal is to teach young players the game and create a pattern of winning,” said Assistant Coach Mike Steffens. 

“I want to get my players into the mentality of winning and place in state.” said Assistant Coach Ashley Barry.

“I want my players to have a strong work ethic, integrity, self-discipline, and sportsmanship,” said Gross. 

“Controlling what you can control is what I’m preaching to our players.” Says Barry.

“It’s pretty early to tell if we’re on track to meet our end goal, but so far there is a lot of improvement in these last couple weeks and I think we’ll be solid in no time, said Steffens.

The returners had a great season last year and are excited to do the same this season. The team has many returning leaders that would like to get the new players up to speed and ready for the season as well.

“My goal for this season is to get along with everyone and get close to everyone as a team. A team goal for us should be coming together as one and creating a good bond,” said returning sophomore Nautika Brown. “This season is starting off good. The new coach, Ashley, is doing good for us. It’s a positive atmosphere at practice.”

Lady Raider softball is something the community is looking forward to, but especially the team and coaching staff. There is a lot of time to reach full potential and with the mentality to win and the hard work from the players, there’s no doubt the goal won’t be met.

Lady Raiders play their first non-league game Thursday, March 16 at Quincy.