By Megan Smedley

For the first time in four seasons, the Maryland Softball team will have a returning head coach. Julie Wright will return to the coaching position following her first year finishing with a 12-40 record. Wright spoke about the benefits of stability within her team.

“Being able to prepare and give the same lingo, the same language, and the same structure was just really really important,” said Wright. “It provides consistency…Our goal is to continue to build and get better each weekend and not so much peak right aware. We really wanna see who we are.”

Part of finding out who they are is the annual retreat the team does to build team chemistry. It was something Wright implemented in her first year to bring everyone together. This year’s trip took the team to Florida.

“It was amazing,” said Wright. “Amazing for team chemistry, team building, being able to be out on a softball field in 80 degrees in January training. That trip did wonders for our ball club. Something we’ll do every year.”

“Not only did we have a lot of time on the field together but coach and the rest of our staff put together programs for us to bond,” said catcher Kristina Dillard. “We went through character development which was extremely helpful. Not only did we get to know each better athletically but just personally as well.”

The team lost three leading starters last year in Lindsey Schmeiser, Corey Schwartz, and Brenna Nation but will look to veteran catcher Kristina Dillard, Skylynne Ellazar, and Sarah Calta to continue their success at the plate.

Behind the plate, Dillard is adjusting to incoming pitchers following the loss of Nation.

“Just taking the time to learn each of them,” said Dillard. “Just being patient with them and knowing that they are growing. Rome wasn’t built in a night. So with them, it’s taking it one day at a time.”

Maryland Softball’s first pitch of the season will be this Friday at the Texas Invitational in Austin. They will compete against Minnesota, Texas, and Colorado State.