The leadership for the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering Girls' Softball team

Team Photo/ HSMSE Yearbook

The High School for Math Science and Engineering girls' softball team improved from a 10-2 record last season, to a 13-1 record in 2015. While their 2014 season was stellar, the players have matured and managed to win all league games played this year, having only lost due to forfeit. The HSMSE softball team has found new leadership in team captains Taylor Faulds and Hillary Rodriguez during the 2015 season.

Faulds and Rodriguez have emerged as great leaders of the team. Both strived to create a drive within the team. The Dragons in years prior were somewhat indifferent to the outcome of the games. This season both captains found themselves evoking a stronger will in their teammates. Rodriguez has attributed the better play of the team to the increased desire of the team members.

Pre-Game Photo/ Hussien Hamade

“I feel like the team members have more ambition, they want to win," Rodriguez said. "Before it didn’t really affect them. I know I started to care for softball more than I did last year. I think it motivates people to do better.”

The HSMSE Dragons girls' softball team’s leadership is more vocal than it has been in years prior. The two team captains tend to be more stern with the players than past leaders. This tough love seemed to motivate the players to improve upon their skills . The players now have a sense of camaraderie. Players no longer play for themselves, rather they play as the Dragons.

“Even though me and Taylor are tough on the team, they’re now more motivated because they know they’re not trying for themselves, but for the team,” Rodriguez said.