GILBERT, Ariz. -- As a new season is approaching, the Highland softball team is in preparations with a new team and playoff goals.

After going 1-9 in the 6A Central region and 5-13 overall last season, the team's biggest goal is to communicate well.  

“We are doing a lot of team bonding; we go on hikes up South Mountain, rotate the girls around during drills, and more,” coach Brian Schmidt said.

 “As a whole, we want to stay together and be there for each other,” senior outfielder Megan McCamman said.

For example, this team is focusing on how communication can go a long way in softball. As a leader, she wants to stay positive and set her team up for encouragement.

Senior McKenzie Cox explained that, to make improvements, it’s important to stay together as a team and be there for on another.

“Our biggest goal is to make it past playoffs, and with that comes communication on and off the field,” she said.

Both seniors have prepared on their own and with the team. For example, Cox stays after practice with Schmidt to take extra reps in the cages.

“I have been running miles, going on hikes, working with the team a lot and with team bonding,” said Cox.

With Cox being hurt last season, after getting sciatica in her knee doing the splits at first base, she has prepared herself to be healthy this year.

“I am trying to prepare to make every game last and count. I want to do my best to finish out strong,” said McCamman.

As this Dominican University commit enters her senior season, she wants to focus on improving her teammates first, then herself.

Players are in the weight room twice a week either before or after practice. McCamman is particularly excited for the Mountain Point High School game April 3.

“We always butt heads, so it will be really exciting,” she said.

Cox is most excited about the Desert Ridge game April 21 because she has played with many of those players before.

But to Schmidt, “Every game is a tough game. There are no days off.”

There are eight returning varsity players and seven new players to this lineup, including four freshmen.