The Marist softball team is preparing for what they expect will be another successful year. As spring sports begin, softball started up their season on February 26 with tryouts.

Marist softball has had a winning past. Marist has won the state championship in 2023, 2021, 2015, 2012 and was runner up in 2022.

The Redhawks are excited to start up their new season. From the results of last season, many people can not wait  to watch the girls play.

“We are very excited to get started with Team 22,” said Marist softball coach Colleen Phelan. 

The Redhawks were recently ranked first in the state of Illinois and sixth in the nation by Max Preps. The Redhawks are expecting great things to happen this season.

“We have high expectations as always. We are returning 6 key players who are also great leaders and we are excited for them to have the opportunity to teach our new varsity players what Marist softball is all about, and lead the team this year,” said Phelan.

In the 2023 season, the softball team had an overall record of 37-2 and 12-0 in conference. 

The players and coaches are all preparing for this season and putting in the work, in hopes for the same results as last year.

“We have had open gyms at the sportsplex and workouts in the weight room. The girls are working hard, and ready to get started,” said Phelan.

People are excited to see what team 22 will do this upcoming season and how they are different from last year.

“Every team has different strengths, and last year our strength was certainly our defense, as well as the long ball. I am excited to see what this team’s strengths are, and build off those to hopefully put us in an opportunity to make another championship run,” Phelan said.

Besides all the physical work, last year’s team learned skills that helped them off the field. 

“We evaluated the intangibles and attitudes, just as much as the skill,” Phelan said. “We learned the importance of culture, believing in your teammates, and just having fun will set you up for success in the postseason. We had some amazing leaders last year who valued every team member, and created an all around enjoyable atmosphere.”

“Last year was an amazing season and I can’t wait to see what will happen this year!” said sophomore varsity player Ellie Holmstrom.

The Redhawks open their season up on March 15 against Lyons Township at Marist High School.