By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
KEIZER, Ore.– Pressure is a privilege said McNary Head Softball Coach Briana Brewer and just embracing that mindset with everything they do.
It was something she preached last year, in her first year at the helm of the program and it led to an appearance in the 6A State Playoffs as the result. Now with the program entering their second season under Brewer, that mindset and the expectations haven’t changed as they approach their first game of the season.
“I preach to the girls that pressure is a privilege, so just taking that mindset. Last year I think we let the nerves get to us in the playoff game and we had a tough playoff loss and this year kind of taking that pressure off and ‘this is a good thing. This is a spot that we want to be and have fun and compete,” said Brewer. “”I preach to the girls that pressure is a privilege, so just taking that mindset. Last year I think we let the nerves get to us in the playoff game and we had a tough playoff loss and this year kind of taking that pressure off and ‘this is a good thing. This is a spot that we want to be and have fun and compete.”
The Celtics return a solid core of players from last year. Josalyn Netzel (Catcher), Violet Siegel (Infield) and Natalie Macik (DH/Utility) were All-State Selections at 6A. Ashlyn Wittenbel (Pitcher), Olivia Montgomery (Outfielder) and Macy Fessler (Utility) were All-Central Valley Conference selections last year who are returning.
For Wittnebel, she put in the work over the Summer with the NW Vandals to bridge last year’s success into this year.
“It helped me be more confident in my pitches and pitching to the Upperclassmen.,” Wittnebel said of last season and entering this year. “Just all of us coming together, all being confident and playing together and having belief in one another.” starts Wittnebel.
“(In Travel Softball), we went to Indiana and Missouri and they had a lot of D1 players and pitching was a lot different, so I think that’s going to help for this season.”
Netzel, a senior, is entering her final season with the Celtics. Over the last three years, Netzel has developed into a solid player for McNary and entering this year, she’s hopeful they can make the most of it.
“This sport has meant the world to me and it taught me so many things. Being on this team, I’ve made so many friends. It taught me a lot and showed me what I can do if I put my mind to it,” Netzel said. “The last three years went pretty well. The chemistry each year on the team has been getting better and I think this season is going to be really fun. We all get along really well and I think it’s going to translate onto the field and games.
McNary will open the season on March 18 at home against Mountainside.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
