It’s no exaggeration that the softball team has been one of the most successful athletic programs at our school, with a 5x state champion title.

The Lady Panthers kicked off their 2023 spring season with an 11-0 victory over Keys Gate High School. Junior Kate Maston won MVP after hitting 2 home runs back to back. Recently, they also won 8-0 against Coral Glades.

The Lady Panthers are coming in hot this season and can’t wait to get into their success later on in the season. With how Charters’ softball team has started their season, it is clear they will have a bright future.

“My predictions for the season are that we will continue to dominate throughout the regular season and have a winning record because I know we are a strong team that can handle anyone we face,” said senior Julia Estroff, who has been on varsity for 3 years.

“Even though we have a young team filled with mostly sophomores and juniors, I believe we work against the odds and come out stronger than any other team. I believe we can win states and make it as far as possible with the team we have. We don’t give up on a fight and we are a hard-working team. After our preseason games and seeing how strong our pitching is and how talented our hitters are in pressured situations, I’m not worried about winning it all this season” said senior Grace Derstine.

“I expect a state championship this season,” said senior Bella Bertorelli.

It’s important to keep up with these Lady Panthers, especially when the playoff games come around.

This is the most bittersweet and important time in the life of a varsity senior. “Going into my last season of high school softball, I’m excited to be able to lead such a talented group of girls as captain, but it’s also very sad knowing that I only have a few months playing a sport that I grew up with,” said Estroff.

“It’s difficult to believe after coming into Charter in 6th grade and joining varsity in 8th grade that it will be over so soon,” said Derstine. “Charter softball has definitely taught me a lot and not only about softball but as a person. I’ve met some of my best friends on this team. I’ve watched so many girls come and graduate and move on to college and now that’s it’s me it doesn’t feel real. It’s definitely going to be hard to let go of this team and it will be my last season ever playing with my best friend and just thinking about leaving her and moving to college scares me.”

“It’s very bittersweet knowing that it’s the last time I’ll be on the field with these girls, but also exciting,” said Bertorelli.

For their last season, these seniors are ready to play from the heart stronger than ever. These girls are ready to expand their title to 6x state champions.