The 2020 season was going to be an opportunity for growth for the Jamesville-DeWitt softball team. There were going to be challenges, but the goal for the team was the same as it had been for years. As head coach Jeff Cantor put it, “Our expectations never change as a program. We want to win our league, section, region, and ultimately a state title.” With the season cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Red Rams didn’t even get a chance to prove themselves.
Losing star pitcher Shayna Myshrall, who now plays at Niagara University, meant that many different players would have to step up into new roles. The three seniors were preparing to step up as leaders and players. “Our seniors all brought something a little different to our team,” said Coach Cantor. “Michaella Green brought perseverance, Paige Keeler brought an ability to keep the team loose in tense situations, and Andrea Sumida brought strong leadership.”
The underclassmen looked up to the seniors for guidance on and off the field. According to junior Sydney Linkiewicz, “This group of seniors are great players and even better friends. This program wouldn’t be the same without them.”
The Red Rams didn’t just miss out on a chance to compete, they missed out on making memories with their teammates. Senior Paige Keeler commented, “I miss my teammates the most and just being around them. They made playing so much more fun.”
Although one season was lost, there were still good things to look back on for the graduating class. “I am so sad that I wasn’t able to play my senior season and play for J-D one last time, said senior Andrea Sumida, “but I am so thankful for all the memories and relationships that I have been able to make throughout my time at J-D.”
To honor the seniors, the team recently had a socially distant ceremony, instead of their usual senior night. It wasn’t a game, but it was a way to celebrate the class of 2020 and their contributions to the team. “That was a great night,” said junior Katie White, “and as close as we could get to the real thing, which was fun!”
Links to the other spring sport team profiles can be found below.
Boys Track and Field: https://jdrampage.org/seniors-of-the-boys-track-and-field-team-lose-their-last-chance-to-compete/
Girls Track and Field: https://jdrampage.org/girls-track-and-field-the-season-that-could-have-been/
