Is this the Year? - By Aubrey Hunter

It is no lie that the softball program at Richland High has had infinite success throughout the years. With countless wins, many trips to the state tournament, and endless talent, they are consistently a team to fear. Going 24-3 last year and getting named MCC champions, we can assume the achievements of the 2025 season are waiting. Although with lost players, new players, and a new coaching staff, you can guarantee the diamond will look slightly different this season. Although, the goal remains the same. Do they have it in them to take home a state championship? And is this the year? 

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Acknowledging 7 seniors coming out this spring for one more season as a Bomber. One more season playing with girls they've grown up with, and for many, one more season playing the sport they fell in love with when they were small. It's no secret this season will mean more to the girls than catching and throwing a yellow ball. I got the chance to speak to a former 2024 captain for the team, senior Brooklynn Boyce, and get some insights on her experience in the Bomber softball world and the vision for this upcoming season. During her last few months on the field, she is excited to do what she loves with the girls she loves. Brooklynn, being a four-year varsity player, a team captain, a first-team shortstop, and having endless home runs under her belt, there's no doubt she will have an immense amount of success this year. While talking about how special this team is, she told me, “Every game or practice, we push each other to our limits, all while being each other's biggest supporters.” She talked about how this creates a close-knit bond that is tighter than that of your typical high school sports team. When asked about goals and objectives for the 2025 season, Boyce claimed, “My goal for this team is to play steady and no roller coaster ride of games.” Many teams are being fueled by momentum in the game of softball; we discussed how dominant a team is when they can get the job done either way. She ended with this inspiring line: “Consistency has been our kryptonite, but now will be our greatest weapon.” Which makes me excited to see this team's season play out.  

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After 20 seasons of filling the role as the Richland Bomber softball head coach, Casey Emery resigned after the 2024 season, as did his assistant coach, Courtney Ruane. Casey left a huge impact on the game here and will forever be highly respected. This left a huge question in the softball community. Who would step up to the plate and lead these girls next spring? Rumors surfaced all around of who it might be like the talk of the town. After speaking with the athletic director at Richland High, Adrian Ochoa, he knew incorporating the player's wants and needs would be crucial. Including a panel of players as well as adults through the interview process, he took the girls' opinions into consideration. After a long day of questioning and discussing, he took some time to weigh out the options. Ultimately, he made a decision he felt would best provide for this season and the future of Bomber softball. And lead these girls to the main goal of taking it all the way to state this year. Fellow Bomber and center fielder Payton Chacon told me, “It made me feel very important when Ochoa made a player panel.” She further elaborated by talking about how beneficial it was to speak with the candidates one-on-one. “It felt like we really got to be a part of the process.” She continued with, which is super important. Having those direct conversations with the candidates helped the players form their own opinions and input. Having conversations amongst themselves, then with Ochoa, allowed everyone to feel heard. Chacon and I collaborated with the idea that this respect towards the coach they got to interview would translate to the field come this spring. She ended by saying how excited she is to have something new and fresh and see how the potential this team already has will contribute to this season on top of new mentors with the same visions. 

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Going into the 2025 season, these lady Bombers will be holding nothing back. It's clear they are ready to come out and play the game they love. These seniors won't go down without a fight. One last season, one last chance. Is this the year?

Photo: @metcalfmedia_