As the second semester is starting up again, so is the Lady Raiders softball team. Softball tryouts commenced during the week of Jan. 10. The Lady Raider softball team has high hopes for the upcoming season. They’ve set goals to better improve themselves on and off of the field. 

       The first game of the season for the softball team is on Feb. 18. Until then, the Lady Raiders will train and prepare. The members of the team have set goals for themselves and the team to reach success. 

       “My personal goal is to make two home runs this year and my main goal for the team is to make it to the playoffs.” Senior Wendi Martinez said.

        Their new head coach, Shawna Henderson, is there to help the Lady Raiders reach their goals for the season. 

       “Coach Hendi is the best, she is so nice and really fun. I think I’ve learned more from her than any coach in my entire life.” sophomore Julia Martinez said. 

       This is not Henderson’s first ball game, which contributes to her being an outstanding coach. She came to North Garland after working as an assistant coach at Sachse because a head coach position had opened up.

       “I started playing softball at age 8 and started coaching select and recreational teams at  18,” Henderson said. 

       Henderson has goals of her own for the team.  

       “I would like to win at least 3 games this season. I think 4 or 5 is possible. I also want to get a full JV and varsity so that I have more girls joining the program to develop.” Coach Henderson said.

       Softball is not the only thing Henderson does at North Garland High School, she is also a teacher and facilitator.

       “I teach physical education for special education, I’m also a facilitator for American Sign Language one & two and Mandarin,” Henderson said. 

       Coach Henderson is doing all she can to prepare the team to meet season goals. She is pumped up for the upcoming season and has high expectations for the girls. 

       “I’m very excited, this is my first year being a head coach and I have my own program so this is like my baby,” Henderson said. “I really enjoy getting to teach these girls and to get to teach something I love and I’ve played for a very long time.”