As scrimmages are starting and practices are in full swing, the Lady Jaguar softball players are ready for the season to begin. Recently, students have been using the hashtags “#fm2austin” and “#flomotakestate” on Twitter to motivate and show support for the Lady Jaguars who are hoping to compete in the state tournament taking place in Austin this coming June. Last year the Lady Jags were only two games away from going to state so this year they are more than ready to achieve the overall victory.

Senior third baseman Chandler Hoagland, who is divison 1 bound committed to the University of Incarnate Word, assures that this is going to be a great season for the Lady Jaguars.

“Being D1 bound does not change my motivation for this upcoming spring. Since playing this last season in high school is like a stepping stone, so I know for sure I’ll be ready to play in college,” Hoagland said.

Before each game, Hoagland prays to keep the team’s mindset “confident, not cocky, and focused.” Having already played six scrimmages and only losing one, the Lady Jags have high hopes for this season.

“Our major challenges as a team are overcoming injuries and staying focused on our main goal. If we do those two things, we’ll be in good shape,” Hoagland said.

The team has two, three-day tournaments the last two weekends of February then they begin their regular Tuesday/Friday games on March 3.

Softball considers their team a family, like all sports organizations for the most part. After all, a team who sticks together, wins together.

“Being a part of the team is like having a second family who’s always there to talk to and be there if you need anything,” Hoagland said.

Softball’s first district home game is March 6. Come out to support the Lady Jags as they begin their journey. #fm2austin