With the taste of victory still fresh and a roster full of talent, the Sedro-Woolley fastpitch team is aiming to defend their title and build on last season’s momentum in pursuit of another state championship.
In 2024, the Sedro-Woolley Fastpitch team took the championship game vs Tumwater, winning 4-2 in a close game. Throughout the season and state tournament, the Cubs showed perseverance and why they are the 2024 2A State Champions.
“Last year we did lots of mental training and learned to trust each other, which allowed us to work better together. We were all positive and confident in the teammate beside us,” says Bristol Linde, a sophomore utility player on the team. “Every single person was a key aspect to the team. We are state champs, but we can always do better.”
Linde, who has been on the team both years of her high school career, says it’s early in the season, and she wants the team to continue to build a strong bond.
“Key things we focus on as a team is being selfless, a team player, and always bringing good energy,” says Linde. “You will make mistakes, but you have to learn to move on, and be there to support your teammates.”
Energy is what drove the team through the season last year, and they are hoping to continue to bring that value into this season. Softball is a game of ups and downs, but the Cubs energy seemed to withstand anything that came their way.
“We also worked a lot on our energy and not letting it bring the team down, and I think we succeeded in keeping our energy up the whole season and it showed in the postseason,” says senior outfielder Kaitlyn Goss. “We knew that our energy dictated the game and it was clear that we were the loudest team in the complex. The energy was always up, there was never a dull moment in the dugout no matter the situation.”
Goss has been on the team all four years of her high school career. Many of her teammates would describe her as someone who values connection and creating bonds within the team.
“I think as a team we focus a lot on being connected and united as a whole,” says Goss. “We have talked a lot about trust and knowing that your team has your back.”
While the energy and a good team connection are important, the Cubs Fastpitch team works hard on the field every day, perfecting their skills in order to perform their best.
“Physically, we put in the work every single day to learn something new and get better with every rep,” Goss states. “We are focused on our goal, winning state, but also having fun along the way.”
As Kobe Bryant, one of the best NBA players of all time, once said, “Everything negative- pressure and challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise.” Junior catcher Peyton Brownfield would know best what pressure feels like. Being a catcher is one of the most important leadership roles on the field. Many call it the quarterback of softball.
“Being under pressure has become kind of usual for me because I have had the opportunities to be in high pressure situations in many games,” Brownfield says. “Before high pressure games or even in the heat of the moment situations, I remind myself that I have put in the work in order to be where I am today.”
Brownfield explains there are many nerve wracking moments, but that the team continues to push through adversity, and knock away any thoughts of doubt.
Brownfield states, “I never had any doubt during the state championship game. From day one I knew we were capable and we worked towards it every day with a common goal in mind.”
The Cubs 2025 season is now fully underway. Kasandra Gonzalez and Kaylie Nurmi, both returning pitchers from last season, have re-certified their dominance in the Northwest Conference once again. The team’s offense and defense are already off to a great start, as they have outscored their opponents 156-30 in all the games they have played so far this season.
The Cubs had an exciting week, beating Lynden 6-0. The Cubs are known to have a rival against Lynden in Fastpitch. For the last two years, the Cubs have beaten Lynden to win the district championship.
Next week they take on Sehome, Thursday April 24. This game is played to raise awareness to mental health, and support the “Only Seven Seconds” movement.