Although upperclassmen usually dominate the varsity rosters, this year proved to be an exception for some spring sports. With six freshmen on girls soccer, two on softball, two in boys track and five in girls track, freshmen have made a big impact.

One of these freshmen is softball player Taylor Brunson.

“I didn’t know if I’d make the varsity or not, so I was really happy when it was announced,” Brunson said. “It’s something I’m proud of and gave me confidence.”

Head softball coach Sarah Haub says that the freshmen deserve their position.

“They’ve earned their spot on varsity,” Haub said. “It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in, it’s how hard you work.”

Freshman Maddie Estell is proud of her varsity spot, for the triple-jump on the track team.

“I wasn’t really sure if I was good enough to make it on varsity,” Estell said. “I didn’t know what to expect. Only a few are good enough to make it their first year, so [making the team] feels good.”

Senior track athlete Andre Kieffer says that freshmen have played a big role.

“It’s an unexpected boost for the team and has made a big impact, both now and in the future,” Kieffer said. “It creates more internal competition, which forces upperclassmen to work harder.”

Out of the six freshmen on varsity girls soccer, four of them are starters. One of these starters is mid-fielder Kayla Hamner who says the team has provided a friendly atmosphere.

“Some of the captains took leadership and welcomed us into the team,” Hamner said. “Every one is really nice and inviting.”

According to Kieffer, the freshmen still have work to do.

“They are very enthusiastic and have natural talent, but they are still learning the correct form,” Kieffer said. “It’s a great start though.”

Playing on the varsity team has benefitted the freshmen, according to Brunson.

“I feel I can take criticism better,” Brunson said. ” I’m in a more competitive atmosphere this way.”

Brunson also said that bonding between the grade levels has not been a problem.

“We did the Run for Mercy together and went to a baseball game, so we’ve become pretty close,” Brunson said. “The better we know one another, the better we play with each other.”

Estell doesn’t run into much confrontation with the upperclassmen.

“They’re not mean,” Estell said. “They are nice or they don’t really pay attention to you because they are so focused.”

Estelle says that getting to be on a team is one of the best things.

“Knowing that I am apart of a team is an awesome feeling,” Estell said. “Also contributing enough points to where our team can win is amazing.”

Besides putting in effort to contribute to the team, the teammates also encourage each other.

“Everyone on the team gives the same amount of effort,” Haub said. “We try and promote a team atmosphere and they all encourage themselves.”