Every year at the start of the season, we see snow on the ground and cold temperatures. How do you prepare a team while outside is nothing like summer weather? How much time do they spend indoors preparing for a season?

We spend seven and a half weeks indoors. We make some of our drills like a real competitive game. Plus, we pour in some music, which makes the world go round and keeps the team in a good mood.

What can you tell us about this year's team's strengths? Infielding, pitching, and hitting?

The biggest strength would be our pitching. We have seven to eight players who can pitch. Four solid ladies who can control the game. Hitting, we have a team that can go long; we can hit for runs batted in (RBIs) and hit to move players with a small ballfield. We should be very solid. All our players can play two or more positions.

Recruiting is a big part of coaching; can you help us to get to know some of your new players and what talents they bring to this team?

Here is a brief overview of some new players:

• Gretchen Huber—all-around solid player. Will be our Number One pitcher. Played four years at Huntley High School.
• Reese Westland—Pitcher, shortstop, 2nd base. Reese will be a complete player for the team. From Dundee Crown High School.
• Riley Radke—Pitcher, 1st base, 3rd base. Rylie has a big bat, so we will be looking for solid RBIs. From McHenry High School.
• Mackenzie Richards—Utility player. Can play every position on the field. Good speed; great for looking for the extra base. From Harvest Christian.
• Isabella Soto—Pitcher, infield with a solid bat. From Cary Grove High School.
• Abigaily Rodriguez—Catcher, infielder. Solid catcher and a good bat. From Dundee High School.
• Marissa Johnson—Catcher, infielder. Will be a positive influence on the team. Great attitude. Listens well and works hard. From Alden-Hebron High School.
• Stephanie Lesniewski—Pitcher, infielder, outfield. Had to redshirt last year due to a knee injury. Will be a solid addition this year, a solid all-around player. She's from Crystal Lake South High School.

Is there a game you have marked on your schedule that you are looking forward to this year?

All of them!

Is a softball team only as good as its pitching? It is fascinating that a pitcher can even pitch the whole doubleheader if need be. Do you have a pitcher that you believe can shut down a team?

Gretchen Huber, Reese Westland, Riley Radke, and Isabella Soto.

New season and a new start, what are you most excited about as the season is about to begin?

I am excited to see this team gel with newcomers and players like Stephanie Lesniewski, Amelia Cervantes (a returning All-Conference player), Lyndsay Regnier, and Ella Jakowisch. I want to see this team have fun playing.

Please feel comfortable sharing anything I may not have asked that you may want to address.

I would love to see other Scot teams come out and support us.