Monday marked the first official team meeting for the Women's Softball at BSC. Expectations are high as the Bobcats head into year four of the program's existence, and after last season was cut short due to COVID-19, the athletes have been anticipating the day they can step back on the playing field.

 "I'm excited," said returning second baseman Bayliegh Laabs. "It feels really good, and I'm just happy to be back here. I'm hoping COVID doesn't affect anything else. I can't wait to get back on the field, to see everyone and how they all play and how we interact with each other is very exciting."

Head Coach Dean Herman also expressed his excitement and expectations for the upcoming season.

"It felt awesome. It's been a long time since Team Two left back in March. To see this team put together after about a year of trying to build it and watching them come together is an amazing feeling. Expectations are high this year. I strongly believe we're going to make it Championship Sunday. Last year our season got cut short, so we didn't have the opportunity to make it to nationals, but this is the year I think we'll get there and actually make some noise."

The impact COVID-19 has prompted The NJCAA Presidential Advisory Council to implement a plan of action for NJCAA sports. Softball is permitted 60 consecutive calendar days for practices and scrimmages within September 6, 2020- November 15, 2020. A maximum of seven scrimmage dates against outside competition with each scrimmage limited to no more than two outside opponents. With last season ending abruptly, Coach Herman understands just how vital these fall practices and scrimmages will be for player evaluation.

"These practices will be highly important for the growth of our team. Of the 22 players on this year's roster, only five are returning, so we're going to have a lot of evaluation to do on those other 17 players. Our five returners are going to be expected to play other positions as well, it's almost like they're freshman again, so in a way, we'll kind of be evaluating everyone brand new. I want the team to understand what it means to practice with a purpose, everything we do this year will have a purpose behind it. We're going to push fundamentals, do the small things, and try to get better every day.

Herman has made it clear that he's going to do everything possible to maximize his player's potential. BSC has also made it clear they want their athletes to compete with the best by adding new additions to the campus.

"It's such a relief to know that we'll have a full-time trainer on campus along with a brand-new weight room. Last year we'd hand them their workout plan and expect them to follow it on their own. It was hard to track their progress. This year with a trainer, we'll have someone to oversee the workout, and if need be, I can just go down to the weight room and check-in on them myself."

A new weight room, a full-time trainer, and a group of highly motivated athletes is enough for Herman to be optimistic about this year's team.

"This is going to be a special team," added Coach Herman. This is going to be one of the more solid teams we've ever had at BSC. Even compared to last year, we have more options, more players, and more athletes who can play multiple positions and don't have to be pigeonholed to the position they typically might play.