This year, the middle school finally has a softball team with many girls joining. Head coach, Wade Rywolt, has been assigned as the head coach for the middle school softball team. We are hoping for a good season this year, as the last softball season for the middle school was about four years ago.

This year, the PIAA start date for spring sports is March 4, beginning the official 2024 softball season. The first middle school game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 at New Castle with our first home game on Thursday, March 28 vs. Mohawk.

“Having enough interest to restart the middle school softball program is a big step in the right direction,” Wade Rywolt, head coach, said. “We are looking forward to a great season to set the foundation for building a solid softball program at Freedom in the future.”

The season has many girls involved in creating a phenomenal softball team this year. Around eight eighth graders and 12 seventh graders have joined the softball program this year. This is coach Rywolt’s first season of coaching middle school softball, although he has coached other youth programs, including baseball. We will hopefully have a great season this year.

“We have an excellent group of young ladies this year. Some have years of experience in the sport. Others have started recently and made outstanding progress in a short period of time,” Coach Rywolt, explained. “Our success will depend heavily on how well we can come together, support each other, and work as a cohesive unit. Still, we have the raw potential for an excellent season.”

Practices have recently started in the middle school gym and outside on the track or the softball field. Open gym practices are also available on Saturdays in the high school gymnasium. 

“I think we will do exceptional this year because we have more girls,” Chloe Hilliard, seventh-grade student and softball player, said.

We are hoping for a great season this year!