By Kathy Howa, Head Coach 

The softball team had an amazing 2024 season filled with learning, laughter, and fun. Practice got off to an indoor start because of the weather, but we were soon out on the field. The exciting challenge this year was getting the opportunity to teach four new ninth graders the tactics and skills of the game. With determination and focus on the part of everyone on the team, we improved a ton throughout March and April.

This was the 21st year of the Rowland Hall-sponsored Swing for Life Tournament, and our Winged Lions helped raise over $28,000 for breast cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. That check was cut and delivered on June 6 at the annual Huntsman SportsFest at Camp Douglas.
 
The Winged Lions pulled off a couple of wins over North Summit, one on Senior Night, securing a berth in the 2A State Tournament in early May. The team traveled two hours to Altamont to play a game versus Panguitch in the first round of state. After a stellar comeback in the fourth inning, scoring 11 runs to go ahead, the Bobcats came back with a strong showing at the plate to recapture the lead in the fifth inning and held on to get the victory. Our Winged Lions fell short, thus ending their season, but not before gaining a lot of growth, experience, and positive vibes to carry into next season.

The team will return all but our two seniors, Lilly Swindle and Lauren Bates, who will be greatly missed. Other team members included Bb Earl Comeros, Rebecca Miles, Phoebe LaBelle, Emma Hare, Jane Borst, Brooke Brown, Mackenzie Boyer, Alexa Tracey, Emery Lieberman, and Sophie Cheng.  

We enjoyed our end-of-season team celebration at the LaBelle residence and recognized several players with awards: Jane Borst and Emma Hare, MVPs; Lilly Swindle and Lauren Bates, Coaches’ Award; Phoebe LaBelle, Most Improved; Bb Earl Comeros, Offensive MVP; Brooke Brown, Defensive MVP; and Rebecca Miles, Utility Player Award. All-Region 17 recognition was earned by Jane Borst, Emma Hare, Lilly Swindle, and Bb Earl Comeros. Senior Lauren Bates was named to Academic All-Region and the Utah High School Activities Association Academic All-State softball team.  

It was a joyful, fun-filled season highlighted by much improvement and some stellar play both on offense and defense. Thanks much and congratulations to all players and our assistant coaches, Kendra Tomsic and Leslie Varoz, on a great year on the diamond!