The Westside girls softball team is swinging into the 2025 fall season with high hopes. After barely having a winning record of 15-14 last year, they are bouncing back looking to have a successful season. They have the same tough schedule as last year, as their season will start on Tuesday, Aug.19, against Lincoln North Star in a jamboree game, then they have their home opener against Papillion La Vista at home on Thursday, Aug.21.
Last year the Warriors fell to Papillion La-Vista after getting run-ruled 13-3. Coach Mike Leapley talks about what they have been doing differently this summer and the start of the fall season so that outcome won’t happen again.
“As a group we started talking early in the year. [About] what we all wanted and what is expected. These seniors started in December and never looked back,” Leapley said. “We’ve taken the loss personally — not in a negative way, but as motivation to raise the standard.”
Senior Baylee Heffernan is one of many player who also play club. She talks about how playing for her club team over the off season helped her prepare for the upcoming season.
“Club season helps me stay on track for success in the high school season. It continues to help me stay consistent on knowing what other players in the state bring to the table,” Heffernan said.
New and old talent will help the team succeed this season as there are a couple of new additions to the team including players and new coaches. Coach Mike Leapley explains how they are going to impact the team this season, and beyond.
“I added Amanda Schmaderer and Natalie Brainard. Both have played college softball at a high level. Playing in college they can relate to the players what it is like and how mentally prepare for games. The team really took to them and established a great bond. I’m really excited to have them on staff,” Leapley said.
The team also welcomes a new varsity starter, Taryn Lewis. She is a freshman this year but has already made a big impact on the program. Coach Leapley put her on varsity for a variety of reasons, but he talks highly of her talent.
“We added freshman Taryn Lewis. She came in and really proved herself from the start at team camp. From day one she came in and she has this swag about her. In a good way. The team took to that and was like ‘Ok we like this’. As a freshman I feel you have to come in with some sort of swag. Set yourself apart from everyone else. Her attitude is so awesome. She wants to win just as badly as everyone else,” Leapley said.
Freshman Taryn Lewis talks about what it means to be able to play this season and how she prepared.
“This year as a freshman it means so much to me to be playing varsity, with the level of talent on the team that these girls have I feel grateful that I have worked this hard to get here and play with such an amazing team,” Lewis said.
The varsity squad has 7 seniors this year. They have been a huge impact on the program for the past 4 years. Most of the girls have known each other since they were in elementary school and this led to the girls having a really strong bond. Coach Leapley talks highly of them as people and players.
“This senior class has exceeded all my expectations. They’ve stepped up and shown the underclassmen what it means to be leaders both on and off the field for Westside softball. Their bond started a year ago when the season ended. They vowed not to let that happen again,” Leapley said “Hadley Hanson was voted team leader, and she really got everyone fired up, from workouts to team building. It was all about teamwork and collaboration. I’m so happy for them and everything they’re doing for this team.”
Lewis talks about how the upperclassmen have been helping her adjust to the high school level.
“The upperclassmen have helped me so much just by being comfortable at this level and also are there for me to help me become my best. Either if that’s by giving me tips or even just cheering me on,” Lewis said.
Heffernan has played for head coach Mike Leapley for the last 4 years, she talks about how this has created a bond that helps her on and off the field.
“Coach Leapley has been coaching me for 4 years all year around through high school and club ball, he’s helped me tremendously whether it’s on or off the field. He’s always there to coach you, help you, and always make you laugh. Having a coach like him makes the game enjoyable no matter what,” Heffernan said.
In the 2023 season the girls made it to state, and they are aiming to get there this year, as well.
After finishing runner up in districts last fall, Coach Leapley talks about the goals for the season.
“Develop a competitive mindset, teach players how to handle pressure, setbacks, and tight game situations. Confidence building, create a positive, supportive environment where players aren’t afraid to make mistakes and learn. Inclusivity and growth ensure every player feels valued and has a role, even if they’re not a starter,” Leapley said. “Our top goal is to have a winning record, win districts and get to state.”
Mental and physical preparation is so important to not only the girls but the coaches as well. With the first game of the season coming up, Lewis talks about how she has been mentally and physically preparing for the high school season.
“Mentally I have been just keeping myself aware that I’m going to make mistakes and that’s okay. Being the youngest on the team is a tough position but having the best mindset that there is going to be failure in your journey is beyond helpful. Physically, getting the extra reps outside of practice and stepping up the speed in my reps have helped me prepare the best,” Lewis said.
Coach Leapley has been helping the girls get ready for the season in this way, but also himself.
“No panic. No excuses. No complacency,” Leapley said “The past is the past. New season ahead.”
Coach Leapley has been putting the girls to work to make sure they reach their goals for the upcoming season, Lewis talks about how he has been getting the girls prepared.
“Coach Mike has helped me and our team prepare for this season tremendously. I’m so honored to have a coach that puts the mindset into our head that we shouldn’t have any doubts about who we are as a team and our talent. Coach has all of our backs and believes in us more than anyone, having a coach like that [adds to] to the mindset that you can achieve anything if you work for it,” Lewis said.
The girls are leaving the past season behind and looking forward to the upcoming season. They have many goals to reach, records to break and bonds to strengthen. Catch them in action on Tuesday Aug.19 vs Lincoln North Star in a jamboree game.
