Every team has its challenges, but the Cass County Wildcats have to co-op with a school that, in the eyes of other Louisville athletes, is a rival. Not only do they have to play together, they also have to get along.
The team's unity is the most notable thing after spending a season taking pictures around the dugouts for softball.
Coach Stieren said, “Co-op’s are really hard, and our girls handle it well. The girls have made friendships that last beyond softball.”
The girls have a very special bond. Anyone who watches the dugout during the game or points a camera in their direction sees girls laughing and cheering each other on.
Not all the magic happened on the practice field or the game field. A lot happens in the dugout.
Lily Hofker, one of three senior players, said, “After I tore my ACL I was a fan in the dugout. I was someone who people could come to.”
That was very prevalent at games. There were plenty of times someone would have a bad play or it was a rough inning, but the girls in the dugout were helping keep each other's spirits high.
Coach Stieren said, “The dynamic between the three seniors and the dynamic between the seniors and the juniors have shaped what the team focus is.”
The seniors have taken the lead on the communication between the two schools. Coach Stieren said that the seniors make their groups on the Team App, and they make sure that everyone is on the same page. The seniors have set the bar high because they have set the standards and the reputation of how things should be done and how the two different schools work together.