As indoor winter sports comes to an end, it is time for Niles West athletes to take the field, and the Wolves softball team is more than ready to begin their season. Since the fall, the team has been practicing off-season on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, incorporating both hitting practice and time in the weight room. Despite the harsh winter weather, they have found ways to keep practicing in preparation for the upcoming season.
Head varsity coach Kelly Kleppin has held various positions on the coaching staff since 2017, and now she is entering her second season as head coach. Kleppin organized this season’s off-season workouts in order to keep the team on top of their skills.
“Preseason workouts went very well. There was a lot of commitment from the team, and many of the players consistently attended. I have also noticed the gains they have made by working hard in the weight room,” Kleppin said.
When it comes to the season itself, Kleppin is hoping for a chance at winning conference. Niles West came in third in conference last year, and Kleppin and the team are ready for another chance at the win.
“I am most looking forward to competing in conference. I love the intensity it brings and the level of competition and determination we show when playing a conference opponent. I know we have an opportunity to win conference this year, so we will definitely be working towards that goal,” Kleppin said.
Senior and third-baseman player, Olivia Pukal, has been on the varsity team since her freshman year and has goals similar to those of Kleppin.
“I’m excited for my last season, and I’m excited to beat North. I’m also excited to do some team bonding and get close with many returning players because most of us are returners. I hope we can win the conference and regionals,” Pukal said.
One of the returners Pukal is referencing is sophomore pitcher Samantha Torres. Torres was on varsity her freshman year and is ready to come back and play another year with the varsity team.
“I’ve been working really hard throughout the year, so hopefully, this season, I have a good batting average. I’ve been pitching like two or three times and week, and I’ve been hitting once a week to prepare for the season, and I’m really excited,” Torres said.
The Niles West Softball team will play its first game at home on March 17, against Resurrection College Prep.
