Heather Tarr warns of early growing pains for Washington Softball
Heather Tarr warns of early growing pains for Washington Softball
After losing 12 players from the 2024 roster, including the top eight hitters in the lineup and every member of the pitching staff, there could be some growing pains for coach Heather Tarr and the Washington Huskies.
During Big Ten media day on Thursday, Tarr said as much herself after the Huskies slotted in at No. 22 in the NFCA's preseason poll, which ranks fourth among the five Big Ten teams that made their way onto the initial list.
"We're going to go through some tough times," she said.
The Huskies are only returning four players from last season's roster: Sophomore Giselle Alvarez, who was a part-time starter at third base, backup catchers Jadyn Glab and Haley Winckler, and Jing Gardner, who was mainly utilized as a pinch runner. 2024 was also the team's earliest exit from the NCAA Tournament in nearly 20 years, after losing to the Missouri Tigers in the Regional semifinals.
But despite the struggles the Huskies faced at different points last season, the roster overhaul is unique for Tarr and has brought its fair share of challenges.
'I think for our gals, it's just growing and learning together and sticking together through the good times, the tough times, and not letting one thing define us, whether it's really good or not good,' she said.
The Huskies are bringing in a promising freshman class, highlighted by top infield recruits Sophi Mazzola and Alexis DeBoer, and pitcher Morgan Reimer. As her team transitions to the new guard, Tarr added that she's been impressed with the way her veteran players have adjusted to leadership roles.
'It's been crazy just to watch our returning players. There's only four of them, so not to burden them so much like, 'Let's teach what Husky softball is to a whole group of 16 new women,' but they've done such a great job," she continued. "They have humbly taken on that opportunity to be leaders. Giselle and Jayden came into this program last year trying to earn starting spots and they did awesome last year. And then to watch them and help them navigate a leadership experience, it's pretty cool."
What will it look like on the field? Tarr will get her first opportunity to assess her team on February 7 at the Candrea Classic in Tucson, Arizona, where the Huskies will open the season with matchups against the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 17 Arizona Wildcats.
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