Chagrin Falls opens the 2023 season optimistic about its chances in the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division race.
The Tigers return 10 starters from last year’s squad that finished 8-6 overall and 4-4 in league play.
“I expect for our team to be extremely competitive this season with the amount of returning players we have and the new talent we have to back them up,” said first-year Chagrin Falls coach Whitney Garrett, who was an assistant on the team the past two seasons. “I hope that we are more confident in our game this year and lean on our teammates in times of frustration. We have a great group of girls who are capable of a winning season this year.”
While the Tigers will lean on their experience this season, they also have a strong group of freshmen ready to step in and provide depth where needed.
“Heading into the 2023 season my outlook for the team is very positive,” Garrett said. “We have a lot of returning varsity players who continue to put in the work to progress their skills and gain confidence. It also is very encouraging that we have a large number of freshmen to feed our program for years to come. I am excited to continue to watch the program grow throughout the season, both in ability and numbers.”
Despite their experience, the Tigers will face their fair share of adversity.
Garrett hopes her team’s experience will help her players to overcome those troubling moments that have hurt them in the past.
“Our biggest challenges will come when frustration sets in when errors begin to compound,” she said. “This has been the largest struggle for our team to not compound one error with another due to frustration.”
The Tigers feature four seniors in the projected starting lineup including catcher Ember Zelch, first baseman Michaela Plante, left fielder Kendall Guddy, and Sophia Moffa, who will play in right field or as the designated player.
Juniors Kate Quinn (2B), Peyton Pierce (SS), Lexi Kaseler (3B), Caroline Reeder (CF), and Tamara Birola Castillo (RF) round out the starting lineup.
Senior Madeline Rodriguez and freshman Mia Beavers will handle the pitching duties for the Tigers.
Garrett also expects sophomore Addison Frankel and freshman Macari Frangipane to contribute.
“Our team’s strengths revolve around our strong leadership with 10 returning players,” she said. “Many of these girls have been with me the past two years while I was an assistant coach for Chagrin Falls. Moving into this year, they have played a large role in mentoring our younger players and stepping up to the heightened expectations I brought this year as head coach.”
Garrett believes the Tigers are on the verge of turning the corner as a program, but for that to happen, each player must focus on the fundamentals and maintain a positive attitude despite the circumstances.
“In order for us to have a successful season I would love to see my girls be more confident in their skills and their game,” she said. “We need to communicate better as a whole and remain focused when things seem to be getting away from us. We need to lean on each other during these times to keep each other centered.”
