This may be Chamblee softball’s most promising season yet. The team is 9-2 and first in their region. Coaches and players alike all have high hopes for what lies ahead.
“The sky’s the limit this year. We’ve got a lot of talent. If we can just stay healthy, I think great things can come,” said Nathanial Berryman, the coach of Chamblee’s varsity team.
“I think we’re gonna have a really good season this year, because our hitting is one of the best that it’s been in the past four years. I’ve been here all through the lineup, up and down, and I think we can win the region this year,” said varsity player Kate Sarago (‘25), who leads the team in runs and stolen bases.
Even with the team’s amazing start to the season, there can always be something to improve on.
“I think possibly the biggest improvement I’m looking for in this team is probably having a short term memory, not dwelling on mistakes that they make. Quickly erase it and just go on to the next play.” said Berryman, “I think we’re getting better about that, but we can always improve.”
Sarago also believes that the team needs improvement, regardless of their performance so far.
“I think the team needs to give more effort in every single play and every game.”
Beyond the team’s performance on the field, the players are also focused on the social aspects of softball.
“Everyone’s nice and it’s really fun just to be out and play with all your friends,” said JV player Sadie Strohl (‘27). “It’s nice being on the team and meeting everyone.”
Having spent time playing softball, the girls have formed a tight-knit relationship.
“I like the sisterhood that the team has. We’re all really close. We’re all really good friends,” said Lilly Harris (‘27), who plays on both the JV and varsity teams.
Many of the players have also played on club teams outside of school, but prefer playing for a school team because it allows them to develop long-term relationships with one another.
“Anybody can just come and go from a travel team, but a school team, you’re there for four years, so you get to know everyone better,” said Strohl.
Coach Berryman has a similar experience when coaching the team, claiming his favorite part about it is seeing players improve during their time in the program.
“It’s the way that you can you see a group of, in my case, girls, where they start and where they finish, and to be a part of that journey, to go through and see how how much better they can get, either from year to year, or from a freshman to a senior.” said Berryman, “It’s just a joy to see how far they have come in all that time.”
