Iowa State softball returns a class of 10 seniors to the roster this season. The players have worked to build a culture of strong leadership and commitment to the program.
Senior infield players Carli Spelhaug and Alesia Ranches talked about the culture of the Iowa State softball program and what they hope to see in the future as they complete their careers at Iowa State. They are both entering their fifth year in the program.
Knowing the ins and outs of the dynamic and culture of the program, both seniors expressed a desire to pass on the strong culture to the new incoming class of six freshmen players.
“We have different types of leaders. Some are like quiet ones that set a good example for the freshman and teach them how things are done here,” Ranches said. “Whether it’s just telling freshmen that we need you to work harder or we need this from you, it’s fun to see how all the seniors have been able to input their leadership into the younger classes.”
The culture is also welcoming to incoming freshmen. The team emphasizes the importance of building a family atmosphere and building the culture of the team.
That culture has already been picked up by the incoming players.
“The culture is great here; the vibe is great here,” Spelhaug said. “I think the freshmen class has done a great job of coming in and continuing the culture that we have worked so hard over the years to continue to build.”
Ranches expressed the same feeling as Spelhaug on how exciting it is to watch the freshmen come into a program ready to jump in and show the returners how hardworking they are.
As Spelhaug and Ranches are both seniors, they hold a leadership role that is earned from being veterans of the programs. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff either.
Head coach Jamie Pinkerton applauded the efforts of Ranches and Spelhaug, especially regarding working with newcomers in the infield this year.
“Ranches and Spelhaug are veterans,” Pinkerton said.“They’re both fifth-year COVID seniors. They’ll provide the leadership. It’s just now getting the timing working with either sophomore Ashley Minor at third or Isabelle Nosan at third.”
While it may only be the fall season, the team is looking forward to playing some Division I competition this weekend against in-state rivals. Overall, the main goal for the team right now is to take more wins this weekend playing Cyclone softball.
The Cyclones start the three-day weekend off with Drake at 4 p.m. Friday at the Cyclones Sports Complex in Ames, Iowa. They then move on to Iowa at 2 p.m. Saturday before finishing with UNI at 2 p.m. Sunday.
