So far, 2020 has been a difficult, stressful year for those around the world. Lives everywhere have been altered, and for some, things have changed forever. The WPIAL administration canceled all spring sports seasons, which to some athletes, would´ve been their last time stepping foot on the softball field. For New Castle Seniors Juliana Stone(3B) and Te´Asia Stewart(OF), their last softball season ended entirely too soon. These girls devoted almost all of their time to conditioning, especially off-season training prior to seasonal practices on the softball field. From lifting weights to footwork and quick hand drills, to practicing on turf when the field isn´t in ideal conditions.

My experience playing with these girls allowed me to see how hard-working they are. They have dedicated so much time to the team regardless of school work, sicknesses, jobs, or other sports. Juliana was also a Varsity Cheerleading and Te´Asia played Volleyball, but still managed to make it to the majority of OFF-season conditioning. They stepped up as seniors and were extremely ready to take on the upcoming season. They worked hard, pushing limits and becoming better players, and I know that will be a character trait that sticks with them as they go through college and life after that. Te´Asia plans on attending Youngstown State University to major in electrical engineering. Juliana also plans on attending school there for a major in criminology. Wishing them the best of luck in this next chapter of their lives!