Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on a softball travel team in middle school going to tournaments almost every weekend, traveling two hours in the car early in the morning, and having practice for two hours twice a week?
That’s what the players on the 12-U Riptides have gotten used to in their first season together. The team, which includes four players from Springs School, played over the summer and came in third out of six teams. Now they are competing in fall tournaments. Even though they came in sixth in their first one, they are remaining positive and looking forward to the next one, which takes place this weekend.
“Being on a travel softball team is amazing,” said one of the Springs players, Madeline Abran. “It is an opportunity to make new friends. It is a lot of hard work, time, effort and practice.”
Joining her from Springs on the team are Addison Cinelli, Ann Peterson, and Sophia Schuerlein.
“I am never nervous for a tournament or game because our team has worked very hard to get to this position. I am confident that we can put on a show,” Ann said.
The team is coached by John Cinelli and Erin Abran, parents of two of the players. “I wanted to be the manager of Riptides because I want the players to have an opportunity to continue playing the sport they love, and do it at a higher level,” Coach Cinelli said. “Yes, the players will benefit from this. Seeing a higher level of competition, and practicing more together and playing more games will only help them improve.”
This weekend’s tournament will raise awareness about breast cancer. Teams and coaches have been encouraged to wear something pink. They will be competing in another tournament or two after this one, and hope to come back in the spring
and shine.
BY ADDISON CINELLI, GRADE 6