April 28, 2025 • 27 mins
CIAC Glory Days Podcast host Jada Mirabelle is joined by Masuk Softball, a Connecticut softball powerhouse! Tune in as Head Coach Leigh Barone and Division I commits Julia Bacoulis and Sofia Lieto share the secrets behind Masuk’s incredible six-year CIAC State Championship streak. Hear about the mindset, culture, and work ethic that continues to fuel their dynasty — and stick around for a rapid Q&A with Masuk’s champions! 🥎🏆
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to CIAC's Glory Days podcast.
I'm your host, Jada Maribel,and today I'm joined by Massic
Softball, the Class L CIACSoftball Dynasty.
I'm joined by head coach LeeBarone, Julia Bakoulis and
Sophia Lieto.
Thank you for joining me today,Thank you.
Thank you so much for having us, Of course, so we're going to
jump right into it.
So Massic Softball program haswon the last six straight CIAC
(00:21):
Class L state titles, which isjust unheard of and an awesome
accomplishment.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe Massick softball program.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
What goes behind it and how you continue this long
road of success.
I think the biggest thing thatgoes behind it is the hard work
that these girls put in, notjust in the spring season but
all year long, just to continuethe dynasty and to continue the
success of the program.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Because that conditioning it goes all year.
To stay prepared it's not justright before the season starts,
right and to be what we'vebecome, you have to prepare for
that.
You have to stay at that leveland that high standard, yep.
So I was looking back at thescores of the last state
championship games that you guysplayed in and they're all
shutouts.
So you have quite a record withpitchers at Massick.
So tell us what goes behindthat that makes them stand out
(01:06):
above the rest.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
I mean again that's just another big all-year
commitment making sure you'reputting in the work in the
offseason, you know, challengingyourself throughout, you know
summer ball, fall ball and justalways striving to be better,
which they have continued to do.
I think also, too, just thestart of that pitching dynasty
(01:28):
has kind of created that wholeconcept of I want to be that for
my team and I think it's justeven starting with Rachel Fico,
tatum Buckley, before my daysand when they were little.
They look up to those people asrole models and they want to be
that for their team.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
That's true.
It's a good representation ofthe program and what you want to
strive to be, so, coach.
What mindset and core values doyou try to incorporate within
the softball program at Massick?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
I definitely have the champion mindset.
We believe we can and I thinkthat's why we do.
I have a few quotes that wehave every day.
How you do anything is how youdo everything, um, and also, you
know, just being really goodteammates and being there for
everybody.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
That positive culture makes a big difference.
And that's a good quote,because it is the little things
that all add up.
Little things.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
They know that when they want to get their reps they
have to take their repsseriously, because what you do
in practice kind of correlatesto what you do in games
seriously, because what you doin practice kind of correlates
to what you do in games.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Absolutely, yeah, that's a great mindset to have.
So, julia and Sophia, you'veboth committed to Division I
colleges, so congratulations,thank you.
You've committed to FloridaGulf Coast University and your
Providence College.
Oh, that's exciting.
All right, so tell me a littlebit about what played the
biggest role in helping you bothachieve those Division I
commitments.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
I think a big part of it was just consistency
throughout everything For me.
I go to the gym every day, sogoing to the gym being
consistent with lessons and justpracticing in general, and then
, more recently, just knowingwhat to eat and just eating
healthier that makes a bigdifference.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
You have that hard work and that routine.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Yeah, yeah, I'd also say consistency, and also being
a part of this massive dynastyhas also helped tremendously,
because I feel like this programhas put a lot of great players
before me into like amazing D1programs and by recognizing that
, it showed me that like, if I'mable to play for this program,
I can also play for a D1 program, like they did.
So it's helped me work harderand like make that dream become
(03:28):
a reality.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Yeah, absolutely.
That's a great way to look atit.
And were there any specificmoments throughout your master
careers that you think stood outto college recruiters?
Speaker 4 (03:36):
I think, just in general, winning.
I think like not only is itwhat we've done from like when
we've been here, but I thinkalso, knowing the people who've
been through this program andjust knowing that we've been
winning so much, they're kind ofjust like okay, well, we know
that this team has been winning,we know that they have like a
good culture together, so Ithink that's been a good part of
(03:57):
it too.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Yeah, the amount of state championship appearances
we've made the SWc championshipappearances also, like last
year's swc championship againstnewtown.
That's also a huge attraction,I feel like, because a lot of
media caught that and you knowwe were, that was a huge game.
So I also think that by likefrom the media, um, catching
those big games uh, gives a lotof traction to us and makes them
(04:21):
come to our accounts as wellyeah, so that's the big thing
now is social media getting eyeson you as an athlete especially
heading into college.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
So having that good program and all that media on
you definitely helps.
So we kind of touched on that alittle bit already, with you
talking about your workoutroutine and your nutrition.
But were there any specifictraining habits that you
implemented for your four yearsthat really changed the
trajectory.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
Yeah, I'd say consistency.
I mean um working out asidefrom working on your softball
craft and, like the mostimportant thing for me is um
giving 110 effort in everythingI do, whether that's
calisthenics or hitting off atee or giving everyday ground
balls.
I mean, like doing those smallthings.
It makes you one percent betterevery day, so it's not just,
like, you know, hitting 80 milesper hour off of a pitching
(05:06):
machine.
Those little things are mostimportant it all adds up.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
Yeah, no, I agree.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
The same thing for me so it seems like you guys
learned hard work ethicthroughout gymnastics, softball,
which is a big thing for lifeand college.
So, coach, what do you thinkthese successful past seasons
not only say about the athleteson your team, but the type of
coach you are?
I always say, built different.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
I think that our athletes are very different in
the sense that they're studentsof the game and I think being
students of the game helps themknow positions and know a lot of
different positions a lotbetter.
So they're able to fill a lotof gaps that we need in the
moment and become the athletethat we need to be for the team.
(05:47):
I know Sophia is an example ofone of them.
She came in as a freshman, herolder sister was playing center
field and we had two seniors butwe had some gaps to fill and
offensively she did really well,so we were able to find her a
spot and, you know, she becameour starting second baseman as a
freshman.
So just because she knows thegame so well, she was able to
(06:10):
fill spots that we needed inthat moment.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
That's a big role and it helps.
You're playing for the team.
That's nice that you said that.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
No one's being selfish.
You're being selfless out there.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
That's nice.
So when you joined as a coach,the program of like took a
change and it's really went up.
I mean, you've won every yearsince.
So what do you think has madeyou such an impactful coach?
Speaker 2 (06:29):
I think that I've learned to trust my players and
then they'll trust me.
I know how smart and howintelligent they are and how
much they know about their game,and I think just being able to
support them, give themconfidence and then also
strategizing for game to gamehas made them be super
(06:50):
successful do you guys watch alot of?
Film how do you prepare?
Speaker 1 (06:54):
for we.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
I watch a lot of film um, and then when we go into
games, I know that they alsowatch film.
They know a lot of people thatwe're going up against, oh, I'm
sure, and you know, they're bignames in Connecticut, so they do
a lot of their own research aswell.
You know, we just talk aboutgame to game.
What do we need to do this gamein order to be successful?
Speaker 1 (07:15):
Yes, yeah, because it is different depending on who
you're facing.
Yeah, so for the season, whatgames do you think will be the
biggest challenges, and whichones are you most looking
forward to?
Speaker 2 (07:24):
I think that you know we're in the SWC right now and
I think it's becoming a bigpowerhouse lately.
We have Newtown who's alwaysyou know they're our rival, so
they'll always give us the bestgame New Milford, brookfields,
and these are teams that havemade it deep into state
tournaments for their classes aswell.
(07:45):
But we always try to scheduleharder non-conference games as
well to kind of prepare us forthose moments where it's really
going to matter.
I know last year we were in alot of games where they were
close and we were able topersevere and come out with the
win.
So I think that teaches thelesson of we can, and so just to
be able to see them either bedown or be tied and come back
(08:08):
gives them a lot of faith movingforward for that state
championship.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Definitely yeah, when it comes to playoff time.
You know, oh, I've already beenhere.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
I've already dealt with these tough games.
Yeah, they don't get as nervousbecause they've been there.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
That's smart to get that out throughout the regular
season as well.
Yeah, so is there any momentsin your softball journey that
really challenged you, and howdid you overcome them?
Speaker 4 (08:27):
Well, honestly, right now, I feel like for me, like
we've had this conversationbefore, but like I'm feeling a
lot of pressure and like I'mvery good under pressure, like
when we're in game times but Ithink, looking at my season last
year, I feel like I did reallywell.
And I think, looking at myseason last year, I feel like I
did really well.
(08:47):
And so I'm putting so muchpressure on myself to live up to
that and like I think for me,it's just making sure I'm
communicating with my coachesand just letting them know how I
feel, just so I can have opencommunication with them and so
that they know where I'm at, andI think just making sure I'm
honest with them instead of justtrying to kind of cover it up.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Yeah, it sounds like you have a great support system
there, so it's always great tolean on it, and you can only do
your best when you're out there.
Yeah, there's no pressure fromlast year.
You can just go out there anddo your best.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
And I know it's nice because I know, you know, they
rely on their teammates a lot,which is great, and you know, I
think we have a big team thisyear and I think to have more
people to rely on is just goingto be that much more helpful for
them Definitely, especiallythroughout those moments.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
For me, I'd say, coming in as a freshman, my
primaries were outfield andfirst base.
As Coach said, I had to playsecond base, which definitely
wasn't a position I've everplayed before, but I definitely
wanted to be on the field withall the amazing players, and so
I had to adjust because, fromplaying playing travel, I was an
(09:48):
outfielder as well, so it was apretty quick transition, um, so
I had to learn that positionpretty quickly, but I was
willing to do that, so I thinkthat was definitely a challenge.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
Yeah, that would be challenging.
How did you pick it up?
Was there anyone you looked atfor?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
uh, actually for my travel program.
Um, I played second base alittle bit, um, so that helped
me a little bit.
And being able to watch, likeuh, people before me, like
Hannah Guerrero she was on mytravel team, she's at Michigan
State now um, she was alwayslike my role model.
I kind of watched her at secondbase because she was always
smooth over there.
So I kind of took what I sawfrom her and tried to apply it
(10:22):
in my game that's a good athleteto learn from.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Definitely.
And I just remember their firstgame coming in as freshmen.
She was the shortstop and thenshe was the second baseman and,
you know, played toughcompetition.
I just remember her diving fora ball at the middle and then
flipping it out of her glove toJulia for an out.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
I was like yeah, that's how you do it.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Yeah, she's definitely an athlete yeah she's
got it that's cool.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Yeah, I always see those with like highlight reels
when they, yeah, you can't makethem up no, they're really cool
yeah and as a freshman, to dothat without even really playing
the position, it's just yeah,you know she did it for her team
and you know, not only just didit, but excelled at it shows
you might be a natural at thatposition it might be where
you're supposed to be so how hasbeing an athlete shaped who you
are off the field as well?
Speaker 4 (11:09):
I think it's definitely helped me with, like,
my mental toughness and, Ithink, just communication, being
able to work with differentpeople.
I mean, here at Mastic, I feellike it's pretty easy just
because a lot of us have grownup together or play on the same
travel team.
It's pretty easy just because alot of us have grown up
together or play on the sametravel team.
But I think for travel it'smore of meeting new people,
(11:29):
learning how they play and justbeing able to communicate with
them.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
I'd say time management and discipline are
two big things I've learned,I've taken from softball into
the real world, especially withhomework and everything and
studying.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
You would have to have some good time management.
How?
Speaker 1 (11:48):
about you.
What have you taken fromsoftball coaching and playing?
Speaker 2 (11:51):
I learn new things every day from all my players
too, and just how to adjust todifferent personalities.
I think is one of the biggestthings.
Some people, you know, need meto be a little bit tougher on
them, where some people need mejust as a confidence booster
sometimes too, but they'vetaught me so much about the game
.
They've made me want to becomebetter for them every day, and
(12:13):
they're just so fun to watch atthis level.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Every day is probably different.
Every player is different too,depending on how you have to
coach them.
So that would be exciting.
So what makes the team cultureso special at Masek?
Speaker 2 (12:26):
I think we just consider ourselves one big
family.
We all have a common goal andthat's to continue with the
success of the program.
So I think just having thatgoal together and working hard
for it every day just kind ofbonds you together.
You have a special bond.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
When you have that close-knit relationship it makes
it more fun too when you're outthere.
You always play better whenyou're having fun.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Yeah, and then we have upperclassmen that have
already been through the moment.
So it's a big buy-in culturewhere the upperclassmen want it
for themselves as well, but fortheir teammates, and then their
teammates want it not just forthem, but for the seniors and
the upperclassmen as well as awhole for the team.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yeah, so how does the team approach building team
chemistry prior to the season,throughout the season?
I know every team has somethinga little bit different I would
say it's more.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
You know it's.
It's a lot of off season too.
You know they see each other inschool every day.
They know who they play withevery day, and a lot of them
play together in travel ball aswell, so that makes the dynamic
just that much easier to kind ofmove into the spring season.
So I think that definitelyhelps our team chemistry, with
them playing with each otheralmost all year round.
(13:39):
And then you know they all havethe common goal and they know
to get better they have to putin the work not just on the
field but off the field as well.
So I think they also have thatcommon goal and they build their
relationship that way as well.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Yeah, that's a great answer.
And do you guys do like pastaparties or things like that?
Yeah, I think those are alwaysfun.
Speaker 4 (13:55):
Those are always bar washes.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Pasta parties bar washes, bar washes.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Okay, donut mornings, egg sandwich morning yeah, we
had donuts before one practiceokay you're getting fueled up.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
You had to get a little food in your sugar.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
That's a traditional holiday stuff like our easter
egg hunt, our easter egg toss.
We always have a water balloon.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
Fight you know really , yeah, that's fun what is an
easter egg toss just?
It's just an egg toss basicallyoh okay, an egg toss you
decorate them before you tossthem.
No, oh, it's awesome yeah andhanging out like that always.
Yeah, it's fun off the fieldtoo.
Yeah, it takes away thepressure as well too.
Makes it lighter, definitely.
So how do you balance academicsand athletics?
(14:40):
Because that's our focus hereat CIC is education-based
athletics.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
So um, well, right now I feel like as a senior it's
kind of easier because I justhave a lighter schedule, but I
think as a junior, like that forme was my busiest year.
So I think just putting schoolfirst whether it was having to
leave practice maybe a littlebit early because I had to get a
project done, or just stayingafter school and getting extra
help or using a free period tostudy but just prioritizing
(15:06):
school and I think that comesbefore anything that would
really help throughout collegeas well, yeah, yeah, I
definitely agree with that.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
I mean academics over athletics.
Um, I've always been taughtthat, like, athletics are the
next four years, while academicscan be the next 40.
So being able to um that's veryimportant to manage, and my
sister's also at Penn Stateright now and she's going
through that.
She's told me that it getstougher in college.
So being able to prepareyourself for that beforehand is
(15:34):
most important.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
That's smart.
Yeah, because sometimes whenyou get there freshman year
you're like, ooh, it's a littlebit different than high school.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
That was me at least.
A lot more independence too.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Yeah, you have to learn time management, but it
seems like you guys are alreadypracticing it, so that's great.
So what do you all love mostabout being a part of this team?
Speaker 3 (15:52):
I mean I love being able to play with all my best
friends, like I love theatmosphere, I mean every time
every girl on the team likethey're always ready to work
hard at practice, always readyto work hard before a game, so
it's awesome to be able to besurrounded by people who want to
be better instead of you know,and we each hold each other
accountable, which I think isvery important, and we each,
(16:15):
like we, have the bestrelationship.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
So yeah, I agree, I think we all have the same
mindset, like coach said, likewe all want to win again, and I
think, especially, we have sixseniors, which is a lot of them,
so I think just having a ton ofupperclassmen who have like the
same mindset, um, like Sophiasaid, we're all so close and
even off the field, because Iknow that like a lot of the time
(16:38):
some people are close on thefield and they don't really talk
like outside of softball, butfor us I feel like we are always
just talking, like we all willgo out to dinner together or
we'll just like talk in a group,chat together, because we just
enjoy talking to each other.
So I don't know, I think it'sjust like the relationship that
we all have.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
That makes a huge difference.
It's really it's fun to watchtoo.
It's even the freshmen thathave come in have grown to
really even just over a coupleof weeks, to really like, admire
our upperclassmen and really,you know, want to put the work
in for them, and also, you knowthey can learn a lot from them
and it's so nice to see and alsoyou know they can learn a lot
from them and it's so nice tosee that was.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
my next question was how would you two lead by
example but it seems like you doa good job already if the
freshmen are already starting tomodel after you?
Speaker 4 (17:24):
guys.
Yeah, I feel like communicationis definitely a big thing, just
making sure that everyone's onthe same page with each other.
I think, just talking to them,making sure that they understand
situations, um preparing themmentally for, like the season,
to know and understand that theyneed to be putting in a ton of
(17:45):
hard work and it's not only,it's not just massive wins, it's
we are putting in the hard workto win um and then also showing
that by stepping up on thefield and off the field yeah,
that's great.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
that's great to portray and a really strong
message it doesn't come easy.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
Yeah, I definitely agree with that.
I mean making sure they knowwhat their job is, and also that
you're leading by example sothey can have a role model for
themselves to follow.
Speaker 1 (18:11):
Yeah, I feel like players and kids always learn
best by when someone leads byexample.
It's not always sometimes thevocal that goes through.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Yeah, and I think that the work that they've put
in is just a big part of leadingby example.
It doesn't come easy.
You really have to put thathard work and you've got to be
dedicated in order to besuccessful.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
Yeah, absolutely, and that's all throughout life as
well.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
And there's going to be adversity along the way, but
it's how you deal with theadversity yep, it's how you get
through it.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Definitely so as the class l girl softball powerhouse
.
If you had to share a piece ofadvice to fellow athletes and
coaches, what would it be?
Speaker 4 (18:45):
um, for me, I feel like it would just be like be
okay with like kind of likemissing out on things, almost
like.
For me, it's like school events, like I wasn't always able to
go to like the homecomings oranything, but I was able to do
like play the sport that I love,and I honestly, for me, it was
never anything that was badbecause I was doing something
(19:06):
that I enjoyed, but also likebeing able to spend time with my
best friends while playing.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Yeah, I tell people that to make sure that they know
that failure doesn't definethem.
Um, softball is a sport offailure and you have to
understand that it's okay tofail sometimes and you know,
sometimes feeling is good.
Um, it helps you, it teachesyou things, makes you better as
a athlete and a person.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
So yeah, it's very true.
It's a good mindset.
Yeah, and that's why they areso successful.
Yeah, you just keep going aftersome failures.
So if you were to choose onemotto or mantra for the season,
what would it be?
Speaker 2 (19:45):
I mean we're just getting into it.
Speaker 1 (19:46):
I know we're at the beginning, it's tough Before it
started.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
I do think a lot of things that we do is our motto
of how you do.
Anything is how you doeverything.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah, I really like that quote.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
Yeah, I've never heard that, about that before,
and you know it's from verysomeone very special to all of
our hearts, um, who left thatwith us.
And you know, I think it's justthe little things that you do.
You have to realize like that'sgoing to translate to anything
else, and whether it's yourschool, your academics, um, how,
how you treat people.
It should be something that youthink about all the time.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Yeah, it's all one, it's a whole picture.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Yeah, everything adds up.
It's not just the softballaspect, it's the life aspect.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
Yeah, that's great.
So now we're going to head intosome rapid fire questions.
So these are a surprise, ohjeez.
So it's just the first thingthat comes to your mind.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
That's the answer.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
All right, okay, julia, favorite pitch, uh change
up gosh that was easy, yeah,okay, sofia, what is one thing
in your bat?
Speaker 4 (20:57):
bag that may surprise people.
Oh gosh um shoot I don't evenknow it's in my bat bag.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
You gotta entertain yourself when you're stuck.
Yeah, yeah, coach.
One word to describe your teamamazing, good one.
Really.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
A pre-game ritual, oh , that's a good one um, I listen
to spanish music on my way, onmy way to practice.
Um, I usually eat a protein barbeforehand.
Okay, and also, my grandparentspassed away, so I usually go to
the cemetery and do like aprayer and then I'll go to my
(21:33):
games.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
That's nice, that's a nice pre-game ritual.
So, sophia, what would yourwalk-up song be?
Um, my girl take after uhlindor on the meds it's got some
meaning behind it, coach anyteam traditions besides the ones
we talked about before.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
But oh man, we have a quote of the day.
Every time we go into a game Igive them a solid quote to kind
of, you know, get them pumpedand just get really focused in
the moment.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Oh, that's nice.
Is it like in the pregamespeech?
You give the quote out?
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yeah, oh cool, Especially in big games.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
Yeah, that can make a big impact.
Julia favorite part of game day.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
Oh, my hair, your hair, yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Do you switch it off or do you do the?
Speaker 4 (22:15):
same.
I usually do the same thing.
Sometimes I'll do like twobraids into like bubbles, or
usually for like SWCs and states.
I always just do bubbles,that's like the thing.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
Now it has to be the same thing.
Yeah, it's bubbles.
Yeah, I see that I can't do itin my hair.
Yeah, I love them.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Yeah, um, just, learning from different players
every day.
Julia, standout moment in yourcareer so far?
Um, I would have to say, mygame tying grand slam against
newtown in the.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
Yeah, that's a good one in the moment, julia was
like I'm gonna go up to theplate and I'm just gonna hit the
ball hard.
That's good, she definitely hitthe ball hard.
Speaker 4 (22:56):
That's it.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
She definitely hit the ball hard.
Good start and.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
I remember saying that exact same thing, like in
the moment, when asked questionsabout it.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
So you knew when you were going to go up there.
You just had your mindset.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
Yeah, I had to clear my head though, because I feel
like it was such a big momentwhere I was like, okay, just
want runs across, and so shedefinitely put the runs across.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
Yeah, they got new it too.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
They were all like oh , julie's gonna hit a home run.
Yeah, it was, she did it, itwas just an in the moment thing.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
I think we all had this feeling of like okay, base
is loaded, like this is ouropportunity right now.
And I know that she in themoment was even thinking like
just hit the ball to theoutfield you score at least two
runs and then you just get themomentum going into our favor,
but off the bat, I think we allknew that.
That was just gone.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
It's a yeah, that's a big play, yeah, game changer
I'm just gonna put it lightly,yeah sophia seeds are gum in the
dugout, gum gum.
Okay, coach, favorite drill runoof.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
I always love a good bunting game.
Not sure if they do, but I do.
Speaker 4 (23:58):
No, we love it.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
We get competitive, but we love it, we love it like
games are really hard with usbecause we all have the same
goal, but when it comes to likemaking teams, it's.
They get so competitive.
I'm like you're the same team,you guys are on the same team in
the grand scheme of it, andthen they just like throw some
shade at each other and I'm likeafter it's all good though it's
(24:20):
all good a couple minutes andit's all yeah gotta keep each
other on your toes.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Yeah, yeah, julia music or silence during pregame.
I know we already talked to you.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
Listen spanish music that's like oh my, that's like
the drive, the drive.
So like it's kind of like myintro when I'm driving.
But like beforehand, like Idon't know, because sometimes
it's like country music becauseof the nice weather, but then
sometimes it's just likehardcore rap.
Speaker 1 (24:42):
Okay, Depends on the day.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Yeah, it really is.
I'm not going to lie I love theSpanish music because she was a
Spanish student of mine inseventh and eighth grade.
Speaker 4 (24:52):
Oh nice.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Yeah, she's a good student Translated.
Speaker 4 (24:55):
I guess.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Yeah, yeah, I'm okay with it.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
Okay, Sophia, favorite athlete Lindor.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
The Mets.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
I should have known that From her walk-up song.
Yeah, apparently, coach, bestadvice you've ever received.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Ooh, this is tough, Best advice I've ever received.
Just be confident in decisions,and I think you know they've
worked for a while, so just beconfident, yeah that's good,
okay.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
So, lastly, we always like to wrap up on the glory
days podcast by asking what doyou think the purpose of high
school sports is?
Speaker 4 (25:29):
um, I would say to have fun and to meet new people,
because I feel like for mosthigh school sports, I mean, I
feel like for us it's a littlebit different because a majority
of the girls on our team play,travel and are looking to play
in college or are playing incollege.
But I feel like just getting tomeet new people and have fun,
trying something new, I'd saycamaraderie.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
I mean for us all.
The girls I play with I've beenplaying with them since I was
little.
I don't really get that intravel.
Also, the girls I play withI've been playing with them
since I was little.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
I don't really get that in travel um also being
able to play with my sisters isanother thing in high school.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
I don't do that in travel either.
Speaker 2 (26:04):
So it's special.
Yeah, it's really awesome.
Yeah, she's playing with heryounger sister now.
Last year played well.
For the past couple yearsplayed with her older sister
awesome and then her oldersister also went through the
program.
So I think it's just you knowin town and just you know,
knowing people that have gonethrough the program, you already
know what the expectations are,um, and they're willing to do
(26:24):
what they can do to reach thoseexpectations it sounds like a
strong sense of community andmassive with the softball
program like a lot of people intown, are very like you know.
They see the hard work thatthese girls put in to do what
they have done and to accomplishwhat they have all accomplished
and it's definitely celebrated,which you know makes them feel
special for what they do,because what they do isn't easy
(26:46):
no, definitely not definitelyputting in all of the hard work
that they can and so for it tobe celebrated and just little
things like marching in paradesand you know, and then it also
brings the younger girls to seethem and really idolize and have
them as their role models andwant to be that moving forward
as well, and it helps build themto wanting to come to the
master program it's always niceto feel appreciated for your
(27:09):
hard work throughout the years.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
Yeah, all right.
Well, thank you guys.
You guys did awesome.
I wish you the best of luck inthis season.
I hope you're able to come outwith a seventh p thank you.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
That might be the first thank you.
Welcome to CIAC's Glory Days podcast.
I'm your host, Jada Maribel,and today I'm joined by Massic
Softball, the Class L CIACSoftball Dynasty.
I'm joined by head coach LeeBarone, Julia Bakoulis and
Sophia Lieto.
Thank you for joining me today,Thank you.
Thank you so much for having us, Of course, so we're going to
jump right into it.
So Massic Softball program haswon the last six straight CIAC
(00:21):
Class L state titles, which isjust unheard of and an awesome
accomplishment.
So tell us a little bit aboutthe Massick softball program.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
What goes behind it and how you continue this long
road of success.
I think the biggest thing thatgoes behind it is the hard work
that these girls put in, notjust in the spring season but
all year long, just to continuethe dynasty and to continue the
success of the program.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Because that conditioning it goes all year.
To stay prepared it's not justright before the season starts,
right and to be what we'vebecome, you have to prepare for
that.
You have to stay at that leveland that high standard, yep.
So I was looking back at thescores of the last state
championship games that you guysplayed in and they're all
shutouts.
So you have quite a record withpitchers at Massick.
So tell us what goes behindthat that makes them stand out
(01:06):
above the rest.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
I mean again that's just another big all-year
commitment making sure you'reputting in the work in the
offseason, you know, challengingyourself throughout, you know
summer ball, fall ball and justalways striving to be better,
which they have continued to do.
I think also, too, just thestart of that pitching dynasty
(01:28):
has kind of created that wholeconcept of I want to be that for
my team and I think it's justeven starting with Rachel Fico,
tatum Buckley, before my daysand when they were little.
They look up to those people asrole models and they want to be
that for their team.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
That's true.
It's a good representation ofthe program and what you want to
strive to be, so, coach.
What mindset and core values doyou try to incorporate within
the softball program at Massick?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
I definitely have the champion mindset.
We believe we can and I thinkthat's why we do.
I have a few quotes that wehave every day.
How you do anything is how youdo everything, um, and also, you
know, just being really goodteammates and being there for
everybody.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
That positive culture makes a big difference.
And that's a good quote,because it is the little things
that all add up.
Little things.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
They know that when they want to get their reps they
have to take their repsseriously, because what you do
in practice kind of correlatesto what you do in games
seriously, because what you doin practice kind of correlates
to what you do in games.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Absolutely, yeah, that's a great mindset to have.
So, julia and Sophia, you'veboth committed to Division I
colleges, so congratulations,thank you.
You've committed to FloridaGulf Coast University and your
Providence College.
Oh, that's exciting.
All right, so tell me a littlebit about what played the
biggest role in helping you bothachieve those Division I
commitments.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
I think a big part of it was just consistency
throughout everything For me.
I go to the gym every day, sogoing to the gym being
consistent with lessons and justpracticing in general, and then
, more recently, just knowingwhat to eat and just eating
healthier that makes a bigdifference.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
You have that hard work and that routine.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Yeah, yeah, I'd also say consistency, and also being
a part of this massive dynastyhas also helped tremendously,
because I feel like this programhas put a lot of great players
before me into like amazing D1programs and by recognizing that
, it showed me that like, if I'mable to play for this program,
I can also play for a D1 program, like they did.
So it's helped me work harderand like make that dream become
(03:28):
a reality.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Yeah, absolutely.
That's a great way to look atit.
And were there any specificmoments throughout your master
careers that you think stood outto college recruiters?
Speaker 4 (03:36):
I think, just in general, winning.
I think like not only is itwhat we've done from like when
we've been here, but I thinkalso, knowing the people who've
been through this program andjust knowing that we've been
winning so much, they're kind ofjust like okay, well, we know
that this team has been winning,we know that they have like a
good culture together, so Ithink that's been a good part of
(03:57):
it too.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Yeah, the amount of state championship appearances
we've made the SWc championshipappearances also, like last
year's swc championship againstnewtown.
That's also a huge attraction,I feel like, because a lot of
media caught that and you knowwe were, that was a huge game.
So I also think that by likefrom the media, um, catching
those big games uh, gives a lotof traction to us and makes them
(04:21):
come to our accounts as wellyeah, so that's the big thing
now is social media getting eyeson you as an athlete especially
heading into college.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
So having that good program and all that media on
you definitely helps.
So we kind of touched on that alittle bit already, with you
talking about your workoutroutine and your nutrition.
But were there any specifictraining habits that you
implemented for your four yearsthat really changed the
trajectory.
Speaker 3 (04:46):
Yeah, I'd say consistency.
I mean um working out asidefrom working on your softball
craft and, like the mostimportant thing for me is um
giving 110 effort in everythingI do, whether that's
calisthenics or hitting off atee or giving everyday ground
balls.
I mean, like doing those smallthings.
It makes you one percent betterevery day, so it's not just,
like, you know, hitting 80 milesper hour off of a pitching
(05:06):
machine.
Those little things are mostimportant it all adds up.
Speaker 4 (05:09):
Yeah, no, I agree.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
The same thing for me so it seems like you guys
learned hard work ethicthroughout gymnastics, softball,
which is a big thing for lifeand college.
So, coach, what do you thinkthese successful past seasons
not only say about the athleteson your team, but the type of
coach you are?
I always say, built different.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
I think that our athletes are very different in
the sense that they're studentsof the game and I think being
students of the game helps themknow positions and know a lot of
different positions a lotbetter.
So they're able to fill a lotof gaps that we need in the
moment and become the athletethat we need to be for the team.
(05:47):
I know Sophia is an example ofone of them.
She came in as a freshman, herolder sister was playing center
field and we had two seniors butwe had some gaps to fill and
offensively she did really well,so we were able to find her a
spot and, you know, she becameour starting second baseman as a
freshman.
So just because she knows thegame so well, she was able to
(06:10):
fill spots that we needed inthat moment.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
That's a big role and it helps.
You're playing for the team.
That's nice that you said that.
Speaker 4 (06:15):
No one's being selfish.
You're being selfless out there.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
That's nice.
So when you joined as a coach,the program of like took a
change and it's really went up.
I mean, you've won every yearsince.
So what do you think has madeyou such an impactful coach?
Speaker 2 (06:29):
I think that I've learned to trust my players and
then they'll trust me.
I know how smart and howintelligent they are and how
much they know about their game,and I think just being able to
support them, give themconfidence and then also
strategizing for game to gamehas made them be super
(06:50):
successful do you guys watch alot of?
Film how do you prepare?
Speaker 1 (06:54):
for we.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
I watch a lot of film um, and then when we go into
games, I know that they alsowatch film.
They know a lot of people thatwe're going up against, oh, I'm
sure, and you know, they're bignames in Connecticut, so they do
a lot of their own research aswell.
You know, we just talk aboutgame to game.
What do we need to do this gamein order to be successful?
Speaker 1 (07:15):
Yes, yeah, because it is different depending on who
you're facing.
Yeah, so for the season, whatgames do you think will be the
biggest challenges, and whichones are you most looking
forward to?
Speaker 2 (07:24):
I think that you know we're in the SWC right now and
I think it's becoming a bigpowerhouse lately.
We have Newtown who's alwaysyou know they're our rival, so
they'll always give us the bestgame New Milford, brookfields,
and these are teams that havemade it deep into state
tournaments for their classes aswell.
(07:45):
But we always try to scheduleharder non-conference games as
well to kind of prepare us forthose moments where it's really
going to matter.
I know last year we were in alot of games where they were
close and we were able topersevere and come out with the
win.
So I think that teaches thelesson of we can, and so just to
be able to see them either bedown or be tied and come back
(08:08):
gives them a lot of faith movingforward for that state
championship.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Definitely yeah, when it comes to playoff time.
You know, oh, I've already beenhere.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
I've already dealt with these tough games.
Yeah, they don't get as nervousbecause they've been there.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
That's smart to get that out throughout the regular
season as well.
Yeah, so is there any momentsin your softball journey that
really challenged you, and howdid you overcome them?
Speaker 4 (08:27):
Well, honestly, right now, I feel like for me, like
we've had this conversationbefore, but like I'm feeling a
lot of pressure and like I'mvery good under pressure, like
when we're in game times but Ithink, looking at my season last
year, I feel like I did reallywell.
And I think, looking at myseason last year, I feel like I
did really well.
(08:47):
And so I'm putting so muchpressure on myself to live up to
that and like I think for me,it's just making sure I'm
communicating with my coachesand just letting them know how I
feel, just so I can have opencommunication with them and so
that they know where I'm at, andI think just making sure I'm
honest with them instead of justtrying to kind of cover it up.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Yeah, it sounds like you have a great support system
there, so it's always great tolean on it, and you can only do
your best when you're out there.
Yeah, there's no pressure fromlast year.
You can just go out there anddo your best.
Speaker 2 (09:14):
And I know it's nice because I know, you know, they
rely on their teammates a lot,which is great, and you know, I
think we have a big team thisyear and I think to have more
people to rely on is just goingto be that much more helpful for
them Definitely, especiallythroughout those moments.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
For me, I'd say, coming in as a freshman, my
primaries were outfield andfirst base.
As Coach said, I had to playsecond base, which definitely
wasn't a position I've everplayed before, but I definitely
wanted to be on the field withall the amazing players, and so
I had to adjust because, fromplaying playing travel, I was an
(09:48):
outfielder as well, so it was apretty quick transition, um, so
I had to learn that positionpretty quickly, but I was
willing to do that, so I thinkthat was definitely a challenge.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
Yeah, that would be challenging.
How did you pick it up?
Was there anyone you looked atfor?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
uh, actually for my travel program.
Um, I played second base alittle bit, um, so that helped
me a little bit.
And being able to watch, likeuh, people before me, like
Hannah Guerrero she was on mytravel team, she's at Michigan
State now um, she was alwayslike my role model.
I kind of watched her at secondbase because she was always
smooth over there.
So I kind of took what I sawfrom her and tried to apply it
(10:22):
in my game that's a good athleteto learn from.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Definitely.
And I just remember their firstgame coming in as freshmen.
She was the shortstop and thenshe was the second baseman and,
you know, played toughcompetition.
I just remember her diving fora ball at the middle and then
flipping it out of her glove toJulia for an out.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
I was like yeah, that's how you do it.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Yeah, she's definitely an athlete yeah she's
got it that's cool.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
Yeah, I always see those with like highlight reels
when they, yeah, you can't makethem up no, they're really cool
yeah and as a freshman, to dothat without even really playing
the position, it's just yeah,you know she did it for her team
and you know, not only just didit, but excelled at it shows
you might be a natural at thatposition it might be where
you're supposed to be so how hasbeing an athlete shaped who you
are off the field as well?
Speaker 4 (11:09):
I think it's definitely helped me with, like,
my mental toughness and, Ithink, just communication, being
able to work with differentpeople.
I mean, here at Mastic, I feellike it's pretty easy just
because a lot of us have grownup together or play on the same
travel team.
It's pretty easy just because alot of us have grown up
together or play on the sametravel team.
But I think for travel it'smore of meeting new people,
(11:29):
learning how they play and justbeing able to communicate with
them.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
I'd say time management and discipline are
two big things I've learned,I've taken from softball into
the real world, especially withhomework and everything and
studying.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
You would have to have some good time management.
How?
Speaker 1 (11:48):
about you.
What have you taken fromsoftball coaching and playing?
Speaker 2 (11:51):
I learn new things every day from all my players
too, and just how to adjust todifferent personalities.
I think is one of the biggestthings.
Some people, you know, need meto be a little bit tougher on
them, where some people need mejust as a confidence booster
sometimes too, but they'vetaught me so much about the game
.
They've made me want to becomebetter for them every day, and
(12:13):
they're just so fun to watch atthis level.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Every day is probably different.
Every player is different too,depending on how you have to
coach them.
So that would be exciting.
So what makes the team cultureso special at Masek?
Speaker 2 (12:26):
I think we just consider ourselves one big
family.
We all have a common goal andthat's to continue with the
success of the program.
So I think just having thatgoal together and working hard
for it every day just kind ofbonds you together.
You have a special bond.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
When you have that close-knit relationship it makes
it more fun too when you're outthere.
You always play better whenyou're having fun.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Yeah, and then we have upperclassmen that have
already been through the moment.
So it's a big buy-in culturewhere the upperclassmen want it
for themselves as well, but fortheir teammates, and then their
teammates want it not just forthem, but for the seniors and
the upperclassmen as well as awhole for the team.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yeah, so how does the team approach building team
chemistry prior to the season,throughout the season?
I know every team has somethinga little bit different I would
say it's more.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
You know it's.
It's a lot of off season too.
You know they see each other inschool every day.
They know who they play withevery day, and a lot of them
play together in travel ball aswell, so that makes the dynamic
just that much easier to kind ofmove into the spring season.
So I think that definitelyhelps our team chemistry, with
them playing with each otheralmost all year round.
(13:39):
And then you know they all havethe common goal and they know
to get better they have to putin the work not just on the
field but off the field as well.
So I think they also have thatcommon goal and they build their
relationship that way as well.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
Yeah, that's a great answer.
And do you guys do like pastaparties or things like that?
Yeah, I think those are alwaysfun.
Speaker 4 (13:55):
Those are always bar washes.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Pasta parties bar washes, bar washes.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Okay, donut mornings, egg sandwich morning yeah, we
had donuts before one practiceokay you're getting fueled up.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
You had to get a little food in your sugar.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
That's a traditional holiday stuff like our easter
egg hunt, our easter egg toss.
We always have a water balloon.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
Fight you know really , yeah, that's fun what is an
easter egg toss just?
It's just an egg toss basicallyoh okay, an egg toss you
decorate them before you tossthem.
No, oh, it's awesome yeah andhanging out like that always.
Yeah, it's fun off the fieldtoo.
Yeah, it takes away thepressure as well too.
Makes it lighter, definitely.
So how do you balance academicsand athletics?
(14:40):
Because that's our focus hereat CIC is education-based
athletics.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
So um, well, right now I feel like as a senior it's
kind of easier because I justhave a lighter schedule, but I
think as a junior, like that forme was my busiest year.
So I think just putting schoolfirst whether it was having to
leave practice maybe a littlebit early because I had to get a
project done, or just stayingafter school and getting extra
help or using a free period tostudy but just prioritizing
(15:06):
school and I think that comesbefore anything that would
really help throughout collegeas well, yeah, yeah, I
definitely agree with that.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
I mean academics over athletics.
Um, I've always been taughtthat, like, athletics are the
next four years, while academicscan be the next 40.
So being able to um that's veryimportant to manage, and my
sister's also at Penn Stateright now and she's going
through that.
She's told me that it getstougher in college.
So being able to prepareyourself for that beforehand is
(15:34):
most important.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
That's smart.
Yeah, because sometimes whenyou get there freshman year
you're like, ooh, it's a littlebit different than high school.
Speaker 2 (15:40):
That was me at least.
A lot more independence too.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Yeah, you have to learn time management, but it
seems like you guys are alreadypracticing it, so that's great.
So what do you all love mostabout being a part of this team?
Speaker 3 (15:52):
I mean I love being able to play with all my best
friends, like I love theatmosphere, I mean every time
every girl on the team likethey're always ready to work
hard at practice, always readyto work hard before a game, so
it's awesome to be able to besurrounded by people who want to
be better instead of you know,and we each hold each other
accountable, which I think isvery important, and we each,
(16:15):
like we, have the bestrelationship.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
So yeah, I agree, I think we all have the same
mindset, like coach said, likewe all want to win again, and I
think, especially, we have sixseniors, which is a lot of them,
so I think just having a ton ofupperclassmen who have like the
same mindset, um, like Sophiasaid, we're all so close and
even off the field, because Iknow that like a lot of the time
(16:38):
some people are close on thefield and they don't really talk
like outside of softball, butfor us I feel like we are always
just talking, like we all willgo out to dinner together or
we'll just like talk in a group,chat together, because we just
enjoy talking to each other.
So I don't know, I think it'sjust like the relationship that
we all have.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
That makes a huge difference.
It's really it's fun to watchtoo.
It's even the freshmen thathave come in have grown to
really even just over a coupleof weeks, to really like, admire
our upperclassmen and really,you know, want to put the work
in for them, and also, you knowthey can learn a lot from them
and it's so nice to see and alsoyou know they can learn a lot
from them and it's so nice tosee that was.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
my next question was how would you two lead by
example but it seems like you doa good job already if the
freshmen are already starting tomodel after you?
Speaker 4 (17:24):
guys.
Yeah, I feel like communicationis definitely a big thing, just
making sure that everyone's onthe same page with each other.
I think, just talking to them,making sure that they understand
situations, um preparing themmentally for, like the season,
to know and understand that theyneed to be putting in a ton of
(17:45):
hard work and it's not only,it's not just massive wins, it's
we are putting in the hard workto win um and then also showing
that by stepping up on thefield and off the field yeah,
that's great.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
that's great to portray and a really strong
message it doesn't come easy.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
Yeah, I definitely agree with that.
I mean making sure they knowwhat their job is, and also that
you're leading by example sothey can have a role model for
themselves to follow.
Speaker 1 (18:11):
Yeah, I feel like players and kids always learn
best by when someone leads byexample.
It's not always sometimes thevocal that goes through.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Yeah, and I think that the work that they've put
in is just a big part of leadingby example.
It doesn't come easy.
You really have to put thathard work and you've got to be
dedicated in order to besuccessful.
Speaker 1 (18:29):
Yeah, absolutely, and that's all throughout life as
well.
Speaker 2 (18:32):
And there's going to be adversity along the way, but
it's how you deal with theadversity yep, it's how you get
through it.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Definitely so as the class l girl softball powerhouse
.
If you had to share a piece ofadvice to fellow athletes and
coaches, what would it be?
Speaker 4 (18:45):
um, for me, I feel like it would just be like be
okay with like kind of likemissing out on things, almost
like.
For me, it's like school events, like I wasn't always able to
go to like the homecomings oranything, but I was able to do
like play the sport that I love,and I honestly, for me, it was
never anything that was badbecause I was doing something
(19:06):
that I enjoyed, but also likebeing able to spend time with my
best friends while playing.
Speaker 3 (19:12):
Yeah, I tell people that to make sure that they know
that failure doesn't definethem.
Um, softball is a sport offailure and you have to
understand that it's okay tofail sometimes and you know,
sometimes feeling is good.
Um, it helps you, it teachesyou things, makes you better as
a athlete and a person.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
So yeah, it's very true.
It's a good mindset.
Yeah, and that's why they areso successful.
Yeah, you just keep going aftersome failures.
So if you were to choose onemotto or mantra for the season,
what would it be?
Speaker 2 (19:45):
I mean we're just getting into it.
Speaker 1 (19:46):
I know we're at the beginning, it's tough Before it
started.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
I do think a lot of things that we do is our motto
of how you do.
Anything is how you doeverything.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Yeah, I really like that quote.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
Yeah, I've never heard that, about that before,
and you know it's from verysomeone very special to all of
our hearts, um, who left thatwith us.
And you know, I think it's justthe little things that you do.
You have to realize like that'sgoing to translate to anything
else, and whether it's yourschool, your academics, um, how,
how you treat people.
It should be something that youthink about all the time.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Yeah, it's all one, it's a whole picture.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Yeah, everything adds up.
It's not just the softballaspect, it's the life aspect.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
Yeah, that's great.
So now we're going to head intosome rapid fire questions.
So these are a surprise, ohjeez.
So it's just the first thingthat comes to your mind.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
That's the answer.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
All right, okay, julia, favorite pitch, uh change
up gosh that was easy, yeah,okay, sofia, what is one thing
in your bat?
Speaker 4 (20:57):
bag that may surprise people.
Oh gosh um shoot I don't evenknow it's in my bat bag.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
You gotta entertain yourself when you're stuck.
Yeah, yeah, coach.
One word to describe your teamamazing, good one.
Really.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
A pre-game ritual, oh , that's a good one um, I listen
to spanish music on my way, onmy way to practice.
Um, I usually eat a protein barbeforehand.
Okay, and also, my grandparentspassed away, so I usually go to
the cemetery and do like aprayer and then I'll go to my
(21:33):
games.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
That's nice, that's a nice pre-game ritual.
So, sophia, what would yourwalk-up song be?
Um, my girl take after uhlindor on the meds it's got some
meaning behind it, coach anyteam traditions besides the ones
we talked about before.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
But oh man, we have a quote of the day.
Every time we go into a game Igive them a solid quote to kind
of, you know, get them pumpedand just get really focused in
the moment.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Oh, that's nice.
Is it like in the pregamespeech?
You give the quote out?
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yeah, oh cool, Especially in big games.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
Yeah, that can make a big impact.
Julia favorite part of game day.
Speaker 4 (22:11):
Oh, my hair, your hair, yeah.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Do you switch it off or do you do the?
Speaker 4 (22:15):
same.
I usually do the same thing.
Sometimes I'll do like twobraids into like bubbles, or
usually for like SWCs and states.
I always just do bubbles,that's like the thing.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
Now it has to be the same thing.
Yeah, it's bubbles.
Yeah, I see that I can't do itin my hair.
Yeah, I love them.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Yeah, um, just, learning from different players
every day.
Julia, standout moment in yourcareer so far?
Um, I would have to say, mygame tying grand slam against
newtown in the.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
Yeah, that's a good one in the moment, julia was
like I'm gonna go up to theplate and I'm just gonna hit the
ball hard.
That's good, she definitely hitthe ball hard.
Speaker 4 (22:56):
That's it.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
She definitely hit the ball hard.
Good start and.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
I remember saying that exact same thing, like in
the moment, when asked questionsabout it.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
So you knew when you were going to go up there.
You just had your mindset.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
Yeah, I had to clear my head though, because I feel
like it was such a big momentwhere I was like, okay, just
want runs across, and so shedefinitely put the runs across.
Speaker 2 (23:16):
Yeah, they got new it too.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
They were all like oh , julie's gonna hit a home run.
Yeah, it was, she did it, itwas just an in the moment thing.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
I think we all had this feeling of like okay, base
is loaded, like this is ouropportunity right now.
And I know that she in themoment was even thinking like
just hit the ball to theoutfield you score at least two
runs and then you just get themomentum going into our favor,
but off the bat, I think we allknew that.
That was just gone.
Speaker 1 (23:40):
It's a yeah, that's a big play, yeah, game changer
I'm just gonna put it lightly,yeah sophia seeds are gum in the
dugout, gum gum.
Okay, coach, favorite drill runoof.
Speaker 2 (23:53):
I always love a good bunting game.
Not sure if they do, but I do.
Speaker 4 (23:58):
No, we love it.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
We get competitive, but we love it, we love it like
games are really hard with usbecause we all have the same
goal, but when it comes to likemaking teams, it's.
They get so competitive.
I'm like you're the same team,you guys are on the same team in
the grand scheme of it, andthen they just like throw some
shade at each other and I'm likeafter it's all good though it's
(24:20):
all good a couple minutes andit's all yeah gotta keep each
other on your toes.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Yeah, yeah, julia music or silence during pregame.
I know we already talked to you.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
Listen spanish music that's like oh my, that's like
the drive, the drive.
So like it's kind of like myintro when I'm driving.
But like beforehand, like Idon't know, because sometimes
it's like country music becauseof the nice weather, but then
sometimes it's just likehardcore rap.
Speaker 1 (24:42):
Okay, Depends on the day.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Yeah, it really is.
I'm not going to lie I love theSpanish music because she was a
Spanish student of mine inseventh and eighth grade.
Speaker 4 (24:52):
Oh nice.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Yeah, she's a good student Translated.
Speaker 4 (24:55):
I guess.
Speaker 2 (24:55):
Yeah, yeah, I'm okay with it.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
Okay, Sophia, favorite athlete Lindor.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
The Mets.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
I should have known that From her walk-up song.
Yeah, apparently, coach, bestadvice you've ever received.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Ooh, this is tough, Best advice I've ever received.
Just be confident in decisions,and I think you know they've
worked for a while, so just beconfident, yeah that's good,
okay.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
So, lastly, we always like to wrap up on the glory
days podcast by asking what doyou think the purpose of high
school sports is?
Speaker 4 (25:29):
um, I would say to have fun and to meet new people,
because I feel like for mosthigh school sports, I mean, I
feel like for us it's a littlebit different because a majority
of the girls on our team play,travel and are looking to play
in college or are playing incollege.
But I feel like just getting tomeet new people and have fun,
trying something new, I'd saycamaraderie.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
I mean for us all.
The girls I play with I've beenplaying with them since I was
little.
I don't really get that intravel.
Also, the girls I play withI've been playing with them
since I was little.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
I don't really get that in travel um also being
able to play with my sisters isanother thing in high school.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
I don't do that in travel either.
Speaker 2 (26:04):
So it's special.
Yeah, it's really awesome.
Yeah, she's playing with heryounger sister now.
Last year played well.
For the past couple yearsplayed with her older sister
awesome and then her oldersister also went through the
program.
So I think it's just you knowin town and just you know,
knowing people that have gonethrough the program, you already
know what the expectations are,um, and they're willing to do
(26:24):
what they can do to reach thoseexpectations it sounds like a
strong sense of community andmassive with the softball
program like a lot of people intown, are very like you know.
They see the hard work thatthese girls put in to do what
they have done and to accomplishwhat they have all accomplished
and it's definitely celebrated,which you know makes them feel
special for what they do,because what they do isn't easy
(26:46):
no, definitely not definitelyputting in all of the hard work
that they can and so for it tobe celebrated and just little
things like marching in paradesand you know, and then it also
brings the younger girls to seethem and really idolize and have
them as their role models andwant to be that moving forward
as well, and it helps build themto wanting to come to the
master program it's always niceto feel appreciated for your
(27:09):
hard work throughout the years.
Speaker 1 (27:10):
Yeah, all right.
Well, thank you guys.
You guys did awesome.
I wish you the best of luck inthis season.
I hope you're able to come outwith a seventh p thank you.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
That might be the first thank you.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.