With softball season right around the corner, Concord High School athletes are hoping for what could be a third appearance at the state championship in three years.

All CHS varsity softball team members play for travel organizations during the winter, allowing them to train year-round while preparing for spring season at school and multiple tournaments during the fall and summer.

Between weekly practices and games, club training allows the players to really focus on mechanics and building strength.

In addition to softball’s intense winter calendar, many of the girls on the team play a winter sport. Some CHS softball players are currently playing basketball or hockey but still find a way to work softball into their schedules, managing 2-6 practices a week. 

Some athletes also make time for private lessons in pitching, catching, hitting, or even fielding. A few Concord High athletes teach lessons themselves, helping other people improve.   

Three current team members will keep up this pace in college, having committed to play at that level. Senior Kennedy Craigue will play at Southern New Hampshire University. Junior Sarah Taylor has already committed to Stonehill College, and fellow junior Delaney Duford has pledged to play for Franklin Pierce. 

Concord High’s softball season doesn’t officially start until early April, with a first game scheduled for April 10. But students interested in joining the team are welcome to participate in optional winter workouts every Sunday. These workouts give coaches Duke Sawyer and Sandy Smith an opportunity to see what each girl has to offer. It also gives players a chance to mesh before the season starts.

Spring sports tryouts will take place the week of March 20, according to Angela Dusseault, Athletic Department administrative assistant.

The varsity squad has a lot of potential this spring, despite the loss of five seniors last year: Elizabeth Blinn, Grace MacDonald, Kyleigh Gray, Libby Brown and Quincy Bolduc.

Returning players include Kennedy Craigue, Alison Dupuis, Sarah Taylor, Maddy Watcher, Brooke Wyatt, Olivia Crawford, Kryslin Stearns, Delaney Duford and Andie Moreira.