After a state championship season last year, Julia Rowley is ready to take on the season head-first as junior softball captain. Rowley has already proved herself in the regular season, and there’s no telling the heights she will soar to this year.
Since the season started, Rowley has worked harder than ever. She knows that she has to prove herself, especially in the role of captain, but Rowley is confident in herself and the team.
After winning every game last year except the NVL championship, Rowley had to take a moment to reset.
“[The loss] taught me as a player that I have to step up in times of adversity,” said Rowley. “[I have to] stick with my teammates and regain our confidence.”
The upperclassmen dominated the team for the past few seasons. They were an unstoppable group of girls, and this led them to winning back-to-back state championships. This year’s team is looking to follow in the footsteps of Woodland softball and start their own legacy. The team is also very young, with half of the starting varsity roster being underclassmen.
Rowley’s goal is for everyone to step up into their new roles. This season definitely won’t be like the last few, so the team has to work harder to reach their goals.
“[I’m hoping for] everyone to step up in the roles and feel comfortable and eventually win the NVL and state championship,” said Rowley.
The team is hungry to win, especially now entering into the postseason, where every game must be played with heart. The team must support each other and enter into a sisterhood as the end of the season approaches. Every game going forward matters the most. With this, a new goal has been added: “We before me.”
At the very beginning of the season, Rowley struggled with her swing and offensive appearances while playing against Watertown; however, Rowley did not let the struggle last and immediately went to a lesson with her hitting coach, Augustus (Gus) Constantino.
“I didn’t have my best offensive day, but then I got over it by going to a hitting lesson and working on my swing,” said Rowley.
Since then, Rowley has been on fire with a .630 batting average that continues to grow. She has also hit a milestone of 100 hits in her high school career. Rowley leads the Hawks in offensive game.
Rowley has also been a force to be reckoned with behind the plate, collaborating with her partner in crime, Ella VanAlstyne. Rowley’s fielding percentage of .995 is a testament to her hard work and near-perfection.
“I study the other teams’ films to determine the pitches I’ll call [to their batters],” revealed Rowley.
Her meticulous scouting of the competition sets her up for success in the upcoming game, demonstrating her strategic approach to her role as a catcher.
Rowley is ready to take on the postseason head-first and lead the Hawks to success. Rowley will tie her hair into a bubble braid, chug a white monster, and attack every opportunity with a strong mindset and heart.
