Team Unity Created in Softball’s Midnight Madness
A new tradition in Liberty softball began last year, and the tradition continued earlier this month. Midnight Madness has come to Liberty.
Upper School Administrator and Head Softball Coach Bruce Gundlach observed midnight madness in basketball and brought it to his softball team. The midnight kickoff of softball season has created team unity and enthusiasm for the season.
“This year we started at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 18, which was a school holiday. We practiced for about an hour and a half,” Gundlach said. “The girls loved it, and most of the parents came out.
“After practice the girls had a sleepover at one of their teammates’ homes. Parents provided food, drinks, and snacks, and we even had T-shirts made for it this year. It has actually been warm both years we have held this early morning practice – it looks like it will become a yearly thing for us.”
Gundlach and his team have also rallied behind a passage of Scripture that Gundlach centers on every year. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 describes the body of Christ, and though it is made up of many parts, these parts form one body and are equally important. Gundlach wants the team to know that they all play a very important part of the team that makes the whole. At the end of every practice, the team has prayer and then cheers, “Lady Warriors — we are one!”
Gundlach’s objective this year is to go as deep into the playoffs as possible, and the ultimate goal would be to win the state championship. Also importantly, he noted, is having fun and making memories.
“You only attend high school once,” Gundlach said.
Last year, the softball team ended their season with a 12-9 record.
“We have two returning seniors, Mallory Rossmann, catcher/infielder, and Ashley Kowalewski, outfielder. Last year, Mallory was our Defensive Player of the Year and Honorable Mention in District. Ashley was First Team District, and Denton All-Area First Team. They are both excellent leaders,” Gundlach said.
“Also returning are junior and three-year starter Savannah Ewing, shortstop, and sophomore and two-year starter Kelsie Finch, catcher/infielder. Senior Alex Whitby transferred to us this year, has won several honors, and will be in the circle for us,” he said.
Last spring break, Gundlach took his team to the Disneyworld of Sports in Florida to compete.
He hopes that interest in softball will continue to increase among Liberty students, and that a JV team will be created again in the near future.
Liberty families are invited to cheer on the softball team to victory. They practice Monday – Friday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and most games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
