The Cherokee softball teams closed out their season with the Sweet 16 after a tremendously successful season this year.
Overall, the JV season record was 17-2 and Varsity’s overall was 21-8. JV was named County Champions on September 17, after they blew Sequoyah out of the dirt 15-1.
Varsity also had a victorious season, placing second in their region, and finishing their season in the Sweet 16.
Above: The Varsity softball team competes at the Sweet 16.
During both JV and Varsity’s seasons, there were 5 special themed games, all scattered throughout their seasons.
The first themed game was Junior Warrior Night, where Junior players are matched and recognized with a high school player, aka their big sister. The games were played on Aug. 25, and both teams won their games.
Next, Sponsor Night took place on Sept. 8. All of Cherokee Softball’s sponsors were invited out to throw the first pitch and to thank them for all they do for our Softball Warriors! We wouldn’t have as an amazing program without them. Both JV and Varsity won their games against Etowah and Osborne.
Not far behind Sponsor Night was Cherokee’s Strikeout Cancer games, which were played on Sep. 13. The teams traded out their traditional red uniforms to pink for this special night.
During the games, raffle tickets were sold in a 50/50 raffle. Half the money was split between the people who bought them, and the other half went back to cancer research.
Sophomore Sophie Ray’s grandmother was able to throw out the first pitch before the Varsity game, as she had battled cancer this past year and overcame it. The JROTC also made an appearance on the field.
Above: Varsity Strikeout Cancer game photos.
Above: JV Strikeout Cancer game photos.
Teacher Appreciation Night went down on Sept. 29. The Varsity team chose their favorite teacher to be recognized on the field before the game. The teachers were given an appreciation certificate, and some players brought flowers and handwritten notes for them! The game is a great way for teachers to gain an insight into their student’s life, and vice versa. Teacher Appreciation Night is one of the most exciting and memorable games for the players and teachers alike!
Senior Night is a special way to honor our oldest players, and the hard work and dedication they put into the Warrior softball program. Seniors Madison Bowden, Kaley Krane, Anna Kurto, Lottie Landmesser, Natalie Maleitzke, Kenleigh Spence, and Celan Trowers were honored on Oct. 6.
Emotions were running high before and after the game, through the excitement of the game, the eerie feeling of what’s to come, and the ultimate desolate feeling for the whole team. After the team’s big 15-0 win against Wheeler, the seniors gathered in center field, and the underclassmen and coaches created a runway for each senior to walk through with their families.
This year sparked a new tradition, though.
Seniors were able to pre-record a sentimental note to their favorite player and present them with a rose. The program received positive feedback for it, so this new tradition will most likely carry on into the coming years.
The seniors had prepared speeches to be played out loud while each individual senior met their loved ones at second base, then walked with them to the mound, where they were greeted by all their coaches.
Their loved ones and coaches also shared a special message for the seniors to hear.
After the ceremony, each senior received a gift basket full of goodies to take with them, and could grab a Bundt cake to go! They received a handful of handmade letters from their teammates, along with flowers, and a wall full of photos from years past to reflect on.
Honorable mention: Costume practice
Since the softball season wraps up near Halloween, this tradition is a perfect way to have fun before the post season begins. Players, coaches, and parents are all smiles, watching the girls practice the best they can with hilarious difficulty!
This season was truly record- breaking. Two team records were broken by Celan Trowers and Mac Pavese!
Congratulations on another successful season, Warriors! Onto 2023!
#Team27Out
Photo Credit:
Senior Night and record-breaking posters: @chsfastpitch via Twitter
Senior Night and Teacher Appreciation photos: Brandy Hefner
Varsity season, post season, Junior Warrior Night, Sponsor Night, Strikeout Cancer, Senior Night decorations, costume practice and record-breaker slideshow photos: Jeremy Bowden
JV County Championship and JV Strikeout Cancer photos: Madison Bowden
THE WARRIOR WORD 
Great article about great teams! This makes me know our future is safe with wholesome and talented young people!
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