Coach Kelly Van Houten spoke with excitement in her voice and a smile on her face when describing her UNC Wilmington softball roster this season. With an undefeated preseason and rising expectations, Van Houten had reason to be optimistic. “I’ve enjoyed watching them grow and graduate under me,” she said. 

The fourth-year coach considers this team special, as these seniors were the ones she started coaching with. “We’re lead by very large senior class,” she said. With this experienced staff, there are hopes of having a winning record, being in the top four of the conference to qualify for the CAA tournament and winning the tournament.

Arguably the most interesting factor that comes with this UNCW softball team is the age distribution. The two biggest classes by far are the senior and freshman classes. The development of the freshmen could be just as instrumental in the success of this team as the experience of the senior class.

When asked what is so special about this team, Van Houten responded, “The team camaraderie, off and on the field.” This could be an X factor for the Seahawks as experience looks to inspire younger players to improve. Team workouts in the weight room during the offseason have shown results in stamina and fitness levels for the team. The strongest aspects of the team are team defense, followed by an older, skilled pitching staff sprinkled with some new, young arms. 

An area that Van Houten is hoping to see improve over the next few weeks is bat speed. Coming off a long break, she looks to see the ladies’ swings heat up as the weather warms. With Kansas and North Carolina both on the preseason schedule, UNCW is proving the Seahawks have a never-back-down attitude. They hope these matchups against high-conference opponents will pay off later in the schedule.

Through the team’s first two games of the regular season, the Seahawks are 1-1 after a 14-4 win and 6-4 loss to in-state foe NC Central in the Feb. 10 doubleheader. UNCW returns to the field, Feb. 17, for the USC Upstate Tournament. The Seahawks play next at Boseman Field, Feb. 24, when they host the Seahawk Classic.