Jefferson’s Softball Family

By Kelsey Gallagher

Source: Coach Robert Baginski

Jefferson’s Softball team has taken a unique approach in fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship, friendship and family throughout their season. This team holds themselves accountable in developing a strong bond and maintaining a positive mindset.  

Mudita (moo-dee-tah)  

Jefferson softball player, Alleigh Waskie, emphasized this new term their coach taught them this season. It is a Sanskrit word that means feeling sympathetic joy for one's teammates' successes. It has helped the teammates support each other and spread positive energy, with Waskie stating, “On our team, we celebrate the small wins and go crazy for the big ones.”  

“On our team, we celebrate the small wins and go crazy for the big ones.”  

Additionally, Waskie shared that the softball team reads their core values aloud at every practice and game. These five values include: humility, selfless teamwork, celebrating others, accountability and resilience. Reciting these values motivates the team and reminds everyone of what they are working toward every day.  

Within this group of athletes, positivity and upbeat energy spread rapidly. These girls support each other on and off the field by leaving their stresses “at the door” and showing teammates love and support by “cheering so loud that [they] lose [their] voices the next day.”  

“cheering so loud that [they] lose [their] voices the next day.”  

As Waskie shares, to achieve “posi-vibes”, as the team calls them, they like to keep a loose, light atmosphere. The team uses fun phrasing, cheers and singing to remember why they are putting so much hard work into the game they love with the people they love.  

Player Shoutouts  

Each athlete on the team fulfills a special role that has allowed the whole team to succeed. Waskie pointed out many athletes on the team who have brought energy and motivation on and off the field and have improved their skills throughout the season.  

Some of the great leaders on the field are Olivia Stevens, Lily Hutt, Rozalee Negron and MacMenzie Ward. They are incredible communicators, who are naturally able to pick-up their teammates after a bad inning.  

The loudest “cheerleader to the max” is Amariah McKnight, who keeps the athletes involved in the game and keeps the energy high with fun cheers.  

Also keeping the team focused and locked-in on the game is Devin Brandley, Bailey Maloney, Venessa Harrity and Abby Simmers. Motivating the team at games and practices are Elizabeth Proctor and Becca Shuler.   

Alleigh wants to shout out two first-year students who she said mastered their time management and represented the team's values, Ella Wheerler and Alyssa Bailey.  

In the future, Waskie hopes the team can find their “swag,” becoming more aggressive and passionate in their attempts to reach CACC champions. She hopes the team remains close and continues to carry the team’s “mudita” and positive culture. This incredible group of athletes has shown talent, leadership potential and positivity that has helped them grow and succeed as a family.