By Mairin Hoffman ‘25
The Spring sports season is off to a great start, with all the teams working hard and anticipating the fantastic season ahead.
The Gunn Athletics program offers many teams, including lacrosse, baseball, tennis, crew, ultimate frisbee, and many more options for students to choose from. Girls’ Softball is one of them. The Girls’ softball team, coached by Coach Milano and Coach Farrar, is an amazing opportunity to try softball for the first time in a competitive environment. The team welcomes new and experienced players and allows new players to learn the game and try something new.
The team is jam-packed, consisting of 23 girls, with a mix of players making their debut on the field and returning. The team has three managers: Sloane Walsh ‘25, Madden Albert ‘25, and myself. The softball program prides itself on competing at a high level every game and practice, working together, and improving daily skills.
Last season’s record was 3- 5, but this new season brings new opportunities for wins and room for improvement. This season is Coach Milano and Coach Farrar’s first year coaching softball, and they could not be more thrilled to coach the girls while also learning the game themselves. Mr. Milano also coaches football here, previously coached baseball at Canterbury, and developed a passion for coaching softball.
Mr Milano is excited for the season. “A group of 23 tough, motivated, and compassionate girls comprise the Gunn Girls Softball team for the 2024 Spring season. Me = We are in our program, and the girls are working hard to improve as softball players and teammates. Synergy happens when the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, and the 2024 Gunn Girls Softball program works daily to build that Synergy. Practices are up-tempo, fun, and sometimes include dancing to Justin Bieber.”
Coach Milano and Coach Farrar have been inspired by the commitment early on from this group. “It has been common to have multiple players stay after practice to get extra swings. They want to get better, and they are learning what that takes! We are beginning to prepare for our first game vs. School of the Holy Child on April 10th.” Pitching, Hitting, Defense, Baserunning, and Communication are emphasized daily. “They must execute in all aspects of the game to win games. Softball is a tough and difficult sport, but this group is ready for the game’s challenges,” Farrar concluded.
“We will be led by Catcher Sofia Cuozzo, who possesses a strong arm behind the plate and a big bat in the batter’s box! Blake Baumgartner returns as a strong and dynamic pitcher, capable of striking out batters and keeping them off balance.” Milano also acknowledges other team members who work daily to improve their game, “In the infield, we will be led by Emily Krauss, Angie Chase, Avery Clement, Megan Sladish, Liz Watt, and Skyler Toffolo. Megan, Emily, and Angie are also forces at the plate, possessing powerful swings! Avery, Liz, and Skyler can hit the ball to all sides of the field, making them tough!
Coach Milano also adds about the team’s hard-working players: “In the outfield, we have a big group of girls ready to make big plays! Leading this group, we have Brianna Boulanger, Savanna Cicarelli, Shannon McCormack, Erin Whitney, Averi Zhong, Rebecca Tu, Ava Veroneau, Cindy Li, Aniah Sam, Ellie Cho, Daisy Moriarty, and Sophie Smart.” Each team member possesses a skill needed to make the team. Coach Milano preaches this idea by recognizing each individual’s talents, “Brianna possesses a powerful bat, and her big arm in Centerfield will prevent runners from advancing bases. Savanna can drive the ball on offense, and Averi will be a threat on the base paths with her speed! Shannon returns to the program with great knowledge of the game.”
While many of these girls are experienced, it is crucial to recognize the risk that some new girls have taken and the seniors that have taken the field this year, “Newcomers Erin, Rebecca, Ava, Aniah, and Ellie are improving daily! Seniors Cindy Li, Erin Whitney, and Averi Zhong will also provide leadership in the outfield to our younger players. Erin Whitney and Averi Zhong provide positive energy to the entire group because of their passion for the game!”
Many girls picked up softball for the first time this season, including Skyler Toffolo ‘25. Coming from Varsity Field and Ice Hockey, Skyler picked up Gunn Softball for the first time this spring. Skyler is excited about the new opportunity to try softball and is happy she tried. “I decided to switch it up and play softball this year. I have enjoyed being with the team and learning to play a new sport. Each practice, I learn something new, and it is so fun bonding with the girls.”
The practices so far have shown the team’s strengths and potential for future success in the field. The girls’ first home game is April 15 against St. Luke’s School, and we anticipate the best results from the hard-working Highlanders on the Softball team. Please come and show some support for the girls when you can. This spring, the sun is out, and the gunn is out!
