As the clock strikes 3:30 p.m. on game day and the Lady Cavaliers softball girls dig their cleats into the ground, they prepare for their next challenge, understanding that the overwhelming sense of unity they share off the field allows them to display utmost collaboration when playing defense. Through a series of rigorous practices and high-stake games, Coral Gables Senior High’s 13 softball players have created a bond through continuous practices and drilling that expands past a passion for their sport and fuels them to maintain an uphill streak. 

Every at-bat, strategic catch and fundamental correction is approached with whole-hearted dedication and accompanied by a collective bellow of encouragement from teammates and their four coaches alike, creating a sense of community that stems in the dugout. Spectators and opponents are shown a perspective of the athletes that is limited to distinguishable chants and sheer grit within innings, but their motivation to compete is nourished from a vital support system rather than solely a desire to win.  

“My favorite part of our team is the bond between [us] that we have, since we have practice and made strong connections on and off the field. For example, when we go out to team dinners after games, or how we work hard to stay connected and together on the field,” sophomore Emma Sullivan said.

A coordinated softball team revolves around organized chaos, where each player is trained tailored to their position and working simultaneously in favor of the ball. The quantity of rules an umpire is vigilant about and velocity of a batted ball ensure that the girls’ reaction time is executed as quickly as possible whether the play is executed in her area or not. While the actions of an infielder and outfielder are immensely different routine-wise, each of the nine positions is operating with a priority: sending the runner back to the dugout. 

In order to account for each detail, the girls are trained to not only consider the area they are defending, but also maintain sight of the ball and communicate with their surrounding teammate about the upcoming play. Their voices and mentality play as intense of a role as their agility and consistency, keeping them connected and synchronized despite their varying responsibilities.

“I have friends who plays softball both with [Gables] and in other schools, but the more games I go to, the more I see that staying in sync is the most important part of winning a game. The skill is one half, but everything else is mental,” freshman Kassie Alvarez said.

Within Gables softball, the players’ are provided with insightful instruction and mentorship by their four coaches; Jared Kay, Tom Parker, Brianna Madore and Angelina Bonilla. All four are participating as volunteers, spending their weekday afternoons training the girls in the Miami sun and placing their efforts into the consistent improvement of each player in a physical and mental aspect. 

Coach Jared has been an avid component of the team’s development over the last eight years, beginning as a parent on the sidelines as his daughter, Julia Kay, served as their pitcher throughout her high school career. When Julia prepared for her senior season, she came to the realization that her final season was at risk of cancellation due to the loss of a coach, which led to her dad, who had been coaching Blue Devils Softball at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, having the privilege of training her a final time.

Continuing to hold the position as the head overall coach, Jared focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of each player while patching up holes in the overall team’s performance, aiming to show improvement on their flaws in the subsequent game after correcting them. He consistently emphasizes the need for mental clarity and connection on the field, urging them to communicate during practice so it comes to them naturally in games. 

Coach Parker was brought up with a love of sports and was fortunate enough to play football with Dartmouth College throughout his undergraduate years. When his daughter and her friends were recruited for the Gables team, he was more than happy to assist in the coaching process and always provide the girls with a variety of fruits and snacks on game days. As they train for games from Monday to Thursday every week, he often alternates between infield bases so the girl playing it can have her turn at bat. As Coach Jared talks to the batter, he plays catch with the remainder of the team to keep them warm. 

Coach Bri and Coach Angie are both college scholars who were advanced during their experience in high school softball, now utilizing their skill for the benefit of the next generation. With Coach Angie coming from a pitching background and Coach Bri’s in-depth knowledge of critical plays, the two are able to divide and conquer as they offer their services free of charge to the school.

“I appreciate all of the love, all of the passion and all of the dedication the girls and I share…We constantly motivate each other and it is what allows our team to stand out and find the winning attitude in us,” sophomore Katelyn Escalera said.

Pitching is a skill that comes with gradual improvement, so the one-on-one lessons Coach Angie provides them gives them the practice needed to solidify their ability to throw strikes each inning. Coach Bri, who doubles as a scorekeeper, keeps herself an open book in case the players have any inquiries regarding the way an umpire judged a play and how to react in said situations. With the assistance of coaches with such varying skill sets, the players are able to receive personalized and collective feedback through trial and error, entering the following game or event with a mental note for improvement. 

The Lady Cavaliers team is also upheld by the players themselves, consisting of three underclassmen, seven juniors and three seniors in their varsity team. This group is led by senior captains Lucia “Lucky” Rodenberg and Elexa “Lex” Pare. Rodenberg has been a four-year starter, playing her first season as Jared began his Gables coaching career. Alternating between pitcher and third base, her efficiency and persistence allows her to place her worries behind her and successfully execute a play. Her resilience in tense scenarios is an inspiration to the younger players surrounding her as she leads by example.

Pare, who has played alongside the team for three years runs a tight ship on first base, reads the situation effectively and prevents the offense from earning a point on the scoreboard. Whether she is stationed at her position, in the batter’s box, on a base or in the dugout, her energy and uplifting personality radiates during innings and leaves the rest of the girls in good spirits. Aside from playtime, the two ensure that each girl remains stable and content throughout the season while accounting for each event softball brings.

Supported by diligent coaches and captains in the 2025-2026 softball season, the Lady Cavaliers have produced four wins and three losses, placing them on the path for overall success and creating a positive reputation amongst their Miami-Dade County opponents, all while hoping for more wins to demonstrate their potential. Expecting a minimum of five more games for the remainder of the year, each of the girls is approaching their competition with their heads held high, accompanied by their support system of generous volunteers anticipating their win in the dugout.

“We are always connected and energetic. We cheer everyone on and we make sure that everyone feels supported and gets the energy they need to follow through with the game. Even when we are losing, we’re always cheering and hyping each other up because at the end of the day, it’s a team sport and it’s important to support each other,” junior Nagely Carrasquillo said.