The Aurora softball team has a dynamic like no other. With two seniors, seven juniors, four sophomores, and one freshman, the softball program has a strong future and a variety of skills and experiences to share with one another.
When it comes to the team’s culture, junior Sophie Retton said it best: "The culture of the team is indescribable. Each of the girls gets along with one another, making practice and games super fun. From a teammate's perspective, we all help each other become a better player on the field and people off the field."
Many of the girls have been playing together for many years, contributing to the culture, which has only strengthened them. Senior Madeline Dalessandro explained that she “started playing softball when [she] was about six years old!! [She] grew up playing with many girls on the high school team in [her] youth years of playing softball.” Senior McKennah Metzger expanded, “Our culture has always been strong. Everyone gets along, and again are all super close friends. We love hanging out off the field, which grows our relationships.”
Back Row (left to right): Madelyn Yuhasz, Alexis Kemble, Lila Bultrowicz, Rayna Unverferth, Julia Miller, McKennah Metzger, Madeline Dalessnadro, Sophie Retton, Lailah Bohanan
Front Row (left to right): Summer Collis, Addison Witting, Avery Qualters, Sophie Petrash, Sophie Schechterman, Charlotte Sorma
Junior Sophie Retton
Seniors Madeline Dalessandro and McKennah Metzger
Junior Sophie Petrash
The picture above includes (from left to right) Sophie Schechterman, Sophie Retton, Julia Miller, and Avery Qualters.
When asked at the beginning of the season about her goals for this year, Sophie Petrash said this: “The goal from the start was to make it to states, and I believe we have a good chance this year. Everyone on the team is returning except two players, and the majority of us have been playing together since we started. We have good chemistry and know how each other operates as players, and as I said before, everyone is very talented in this sport.”
Additionally, Coach Petrash, who has been coaching at Aurora for seven years, added, “We want to win it all, but more importantly, we want our players to enjoy this experience with their friends while learning life lessons they can carry with them into college and throughout life. Balancing all of this is not easy for players and coaches, but these challenges make us all stronger.”
Kicking off the season, the softball team started in Florida, going 5-1. Coach Petrash explains, “Two of those were scrimmages, so we came back with a 4-0 season record. We played some tough competition to prepare us for our season.” McKennah Metzger supplemented, “Spring break was so much fun. We worked through many changes and really got comfortable with each other on the field. We went undefeated, which is an awesome confidence boost heading into conference play.”
Since then, the team beat last year’s state champs, Tallmadge, 13-0. This was a huge win for the team, and the girls have maintained a 21-1 overall record and a 13-0 conference record.
This year’s softball team is certainly special, and the seniors definitely contribute to that magic. On senior night, the team had a perfect game, winning against Barberton 11-0. Plus, the team won against Salem 10-0, making them the Suburban League Champs for the fourth time in a row!
The team bonded during their spring break trip in Florida. (@aurora_softball on Instagram)
Team photo on Senior Night
Seniors McKennah and Madeline celebrating on their perfect Senior Night.
The girls’ talent is undeniable, and a lot of the girls plan to continue playing softball into their college years. Sophie Petrash says that her “plan for the future for softball is to play collegiate softball.” She wishes “luck to anyone else in the recruiting process because it is a tough thing to go through, but it is worth it in the end.”
Moreover, McKennah Metzger will play “D1 softball at Coastal Carolina” in the fall, and she says, “[she is] so excited!” Similarly, “After High School, [Sophie Retton] will be continuing [her] academic and athletic career at The University of Findlay.”
Sophie Petrash mentions, “We would appreciate anyone coming to watch the team this spring! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for updates!” Good luck to the AHS softball team! Aurora is rooting for you!
Lailah Bohanan, Charlotte Sorma, and Addison Witting pose for the camera.
Junior Sophie Schechterman
(@dcarlson_photo on Instagram)
Junior Sophie Petrash
(@dcarlson_photo on Instagram)
Junior Avery Qualters
Junior Rayna Unverferth
All photos from @dad_brag_photography_ohio on Instagram unless indicated otherwise.