By: Brad Dawson, Lion’s Eye Editor, bpd13@psu.edu

Brandywine competes to be on top when it comes with athletics. All sports are set at a high standard and high expectations. Over the years, conference titles have been won in multiple sports and even a national championship in men’s soccer.

Softball has also been very successful, winning records year after year and working hard to compete at the top of their game. Brandywine is a school where some players only come to play for two years before going to University Park, but other stay for four years.

Every year the team gets new recruits or even walk-ons. Every year the team changes and works to have the best team chemistry to compete with every other team. Every year new players come in and already have a lot of pressure and are set high expectations before the season even starts.

The season is long and the team works hard to stay at the top of the conference. Prior to the season start, the team has practices and conditioning tests. This allows the team to come together before games start and get a head start before games.

Upper class athletes have even more pressure because they are looked on as role models to the new players. They are there to give advice and show an example. Connecting with the incoming freshman is really important because it helps them feel included and easier to adjust to the college life.

Haley Grossi is a junior softball player and is always excited for the season to start.

“As a team, we hope to secure another PSUAC title. We have won for the past five years, so we have high expectations and very eager to play.”

“Playing with a young team does have its challenges but is very rewarding at the same time. Freshman have been adjusting quickly and work well with everyone on the team which is good team chemistry,” said Katelyn.

Softball is always at the top of their conference and the freshman have pressure to compete.

Katelyn Borello is a freshman who has a lot of pressure with all the high expectations the team and coaches have.

“Since I am a freshman when I get playing time, I need to give it 110% to show my ability to compete and get more playing time and most importantly help the team win.”

Softball officially starts practice this February and games start at the end of the month. The season goes through May, with travel to Florida in March for their Spring Break Tournament. The team is eager to compete, play, and exceed their own expectations.