Norwich University women’s softball team is getting its players involved before the regular spring season by conducting a nontraditional season this fall, according to the athletic director.
“I think it’s more keeping the student athlete engaged in the sport,” said Norwich Athletic Director Anthony Mariano. “So that when their season starts it’s not like they’re starting from day one.”
The nontraditional season allows for coaches to assess the abilities of the players. It gives them the opportunity to see what talents they have to work with for the season.
Mariano also said that it’s good to have the nontraditional season because of the climate in Vermont. “We really don’t get outside until maybe, the earliest, the first of April.”
There are multiple facilities that the team gets to use. Athletes have access to the softball field when the men’s soccer team is traveling and also the indoor facilities.
The indoor facilities have both batting cages and the layout of a diamond. “Now, it’s not like being outdoors, but it gives you the opportunity to participate,” Mariano said.
The players also have access to strength and conditioning coaches, according to Mariano. When working with them, the players are able to do softball specific activities to build strength and speed.
The nontraditional season starts about three weeks into the school year, so that the students have time to get acclimated to their classes before having to juggle both school and a sport.
According to Mariano, National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations state that a team can only have 16 practices before the season, held within a maximum of five weeks. Teams also cannot have more than four practices a week.
Senior returner Seana Ellsworth, 21, nursing major from Everett, Mass., said that the team practices about three times a week.
Ellsworth said that one of the goals of the nontraditional season is team bonding. “We spend a lot of time together in the spring, and if you don’t know the girls before you spend that much time together, you clash.”
Ellsworth said that during the fall, the team likes to do activities together other than practicing such as pumpkin carving, tie-dye, and hiking.
Other than bonding, Ellsworth said that the nontraditional season is beneficial to see everyone’s skill level. “Everybody sees where they want to play and where they fit in and how the team dynamic works.”
The biggest competition for this year will be Simmons College, the team’s rival, according to Ellsworth. Whenever the team plays them in double headers, they always win one game and lose one game.
Anyone interested in playing softball at Norwich is welcome to go to the nontraditional season practices. Coaches are interested in seeing what hidden talent may be out there.
The nontraditional season is also beneficial for freshmen who want to play on the team.
“It helps all of the incoming freshmen to get to know the seniors,” said Jennette Chartrand, 18, freshman international studies major from Averill Park, N.Y.
She also likes how she got a feel for what the season is going to be like. Already from the couple of practices that the team has had, Jennette is excited for how the team is going to be this season.