In softball, success is often measured in runs, strikeouts, and championships, but any coach or player who’s been part of a truly great team knows there's something even more important behind it all: culture.
Culture is the heartbeat of a softball program. It’s what binds players together through early morning practices, extra innings, and long bus rides. And for the Zebra softball family, that culture is stronger than ever.
One incredible example of this happened recently when members of the high school Zebra softball team showed up in full force to support the junior high girls. Dressed in Zebra gear and standing next to the dugout bringing the energy, the high school players weren't just spectators they were mentors, cheerleaders, and role models.
They offered encouragement between innings, and celebrated every hit, catch, and hustle play as if it were their own. For the junior high Zebras, having the “big girls” in the crowd meant the world. And for the high schoolers, it was a chance to give back, to lead by example, and to show what it truly means to wear “Zebras” across their chest.
This kind of support doesn't happen by chance. It’s built through leadership, shared values, and a belief that every player, from seventh grade to senior year matters. When older players invest in the younger generation, they’re doing more than building relationships, they’re building a legacy. Coach Eddy started working on this culture in the spring when he started including all Zebra softball players in the open practices. What I noticed immediately was the older girls taking the younger ones under their wing. Whether it was Alexis Morton asking a 7th grader to catch her bullpen session, Bella Weaver asking a young shortstop to catch her thrown downs, Grace Weaver catching while some of the junior high girls hit in the cage, or Riley Fay taking the time to make a 7th graders day by talking to her at church and simply showing her, I see you. This is culture and I am very happy my daughter is a part of it.
In the Zebra softball program, culture means playing for more than yourself, and creating a family that stretches across ages and teams. It means knowing that when one team takes the field, the whole program stands behind them proud, loud, and united. As I mentioned earlier about the high schoolers showing up for the junior high girls, last night some of the junior high girls got to return the favor. Not only did they show up to the game, the high school girls invited them into the dugout to cheer, laugh, and show them what the expectations are when you put on the pinstripes. As this is happening Avery Hyde steps up to the plate and cruses a bomb to left and the young ones got to go out and celebrate at home plate with the ones they look up to the most. Culture also creates memories, and what a memory for the young ones that were there last night.
In the end, the scoreboard will always tell part of the story. But it’s moments like these when the high school Zebras are cheering on the junior high team or junior high cheering on high school, that truly define what winning looks like.
Because here, in Zebra Nation, culture is winning. Great job Coach Eddy, Coach Jahn, Coach Hampton, Coach Hopper, and Coach Looney.