24/7 Ball Sports facility in Mankato is set to complete it's 3rd winter training season. The facility provides 24/7 access to baseball and softball athletes at every skill level a high level facility to train in the off-season and during the season.
We reached out to a few of players that utilize the 24/7 Ball Sports facility to get their reaction to the start of the high school softball season and what the are looking forward to this spring.
Sydney Jacobs is in her Senior year for the Mankato East Cougars. Last season Sydney was the lead off batter in every game and led the Cougars offensively in batting average (.447), on base percentage (.538), walks (15), steals (20), runs (38), and hits (34).
24/7 Ball Sports: What are you looking forward to most this high school softball season? Jacobs: This season I’m looking forward to almost a full team coming back and building on what we learned last year.
24/7 Ball Sports: Do you have any personal goals for yourself or the team this season? Jacobs: This years main goal for our team is to win the section championship as it is every year especially coming off of a second place finish.
24/7 Ball Sports: What makes Mankato East softball special to you? Jacobs: Mankato east is special to me because we are more than just a softball team we are a family. We have such a strong bond on and off the field it will be a fun senior year with this team.
24/7 Ball Sports: What are your plans after high school?
Jacobs: After high school I will be attending Bethany Lutheran College to continue my softball career. I will be majoring in biology with the plans of going into physicians assistant school.
Mady Beaty is a Junior at Mankato East and is a returning Varsity starter in right field. Last season Beaty racked up (10) hits, (11) runs, and (7) walks. Mady had this to say about the upcoming season.
24/7 Ball Sports Media: What are you looking forward to most this high school softball season? Mady: I'm looking forward to growing as a player on both the offensive and defensive side. I want to improve my skills and be able to contribute more to the team.
24/7 Ball Sports Media: Do you have any personal goals for yourself or for the team this season? Mady: Yes, a personal goal I have is to become all state this year, and for the team, our goal is to win the section. We have a lot of talented players and I believe we can achieve that goal if we work hard and stay focused.
24/7 Ball Sports : That sounds like great goals. So, what makes the Mankato East softball program special to you? Mady: This program is special to me because we are a young, competitive team. We are always pushing each other to improve and we have a lot of fun doing it. I have a lot of confidence in our team, the girls, and our upcoming season. I also love how we are all close together and get along. We are like a family and that makes playing for Mankato East even more special.
Kylinn Stangl is a Sophomore at Mankato East and has this to say about the upcoming season.
24/7 Ball Sports: What are you looking most forward to this high school season? Stangl: I am looking forward to building more friendships this upcoming season with my cougars.
24/7 Ball Sports: What goals and expectations do you have for the team? Stangl: A goal I have for the team is to make it to state and potentially win state.
24/7 Ball Sports: What makes Mankato East Softball special to you? Stangl: Mankato East softball is special to me because we are one big family and it builds character. We all have each-others backs and not to mention the great coaching as well!