The Los Angeles Mission College softball team will hit the field this season with returning coach, Chris Hylland. Hylland enters his second season as a head coach with the Eagles along with first-year Assistant Pitching Coach, Emily Seidel, and first-year Assistant Outfield Coach, Ashley Colon. With five returning sophomores, two transfer sophomores, and a strong incoming freshman class, the LAMC softball team enters the 2018 season with high expectations.
"I am excited to see the growth of the program this year as we enter this season with a young, talented group of athletes," Hylland said. "We are definitely heading in the right direction and have made some changes over the past year that have put us on the path to positively transforming the culture of the program."
The Eagles return with a strong pitching staff led by sophomore Carmen Vargas, entering her second season with the experience and drive to lead the Eagles to victory. Alongside Vargas, the Eagles expect Gabby Monge, freshman right-hander from Sylmar High School, to step up in the circle.
"We have a well-rounded pitching staff," Coach Seidel said. "Each of our girls has her own strengths, and the four of them complement each other. So we have the experience and the depth to get the job done on the mound."
The Eagles' offense will be a big contributor to their success. The lineup received a huge boost with the addition of power hitter Mabel Calderon, who comes to Mission as a sophomore transfer. Calderon earned 1st Team All-Conference honors in her freshman season and will lead the infield as the starting shortstop as well as a catalyst at the plate. Returning sophomore Diana Martin will also be an instrumental player for the Eagles, bringing a strong voice and arm behind the plate and added depth to the lineup.
LAMC Softball is extremely young and talented this season with an entering freshman class of 11. The freshmen will add to the power and strength of the Eagle offense with the help of incoming freshmen Ashley Silva, Sydney Caballero, Vanessa Alvarez, and Ariana Luna.
Speed will play a large role in the success of the program this year as the Eagles welcome freshmen Alyanna Martinez and Arianna Ramos, both bringing speed and range to the outfield. Second baseman Mitzy Rodriguez will also contribute to the speed on the bases and in the infield.
The coaching staff is looking forward to an extremely competitive season from the Eagles on both sides of the plate, and believe the athletes are ready to come out swinging.
"To say I'm excited to watch these girls struggle and grow would be an understatement," Coach Colon said. "It's going to be an exciting season for Mission Softball. Together we are going to struggle, compete, grow, and engrain a winning culture."
The Eagles start their Spring season on Friday, Jan. 26, in the Glendale Softball Tournament, which will continue through Saturday. Western State Conference play begins Thursday, Feb. 22, at Barstow Community College.