For the HS223 Lady Eagles softball team, the 2026 season is all about making it to the championship and at 4-1 on the young season, the Eagles are already showing their championship potential.
Over the last two seasons, the Lady Eagles were 13-1 both years and winning the division. The next stop is to make it to the Bronx Borough Finals and then to win the City Championship.
“I feel very confident that my team and I will be able to make it to the finals by playing consistently, making sure we all attend practices, and by playing confidently. I feel like if we do this we will be able to remain division champs and make it to the finals and hopefully win a ‘chip,” said pitcher Mia Sorden (Class of 2026).
While the team is focused on a championship, the Lady Eagles still prioritizing student life and academics over anything that happens on the field.
“Student first, athlete second. Player need to be determined and they need to be handling the school day before they can handle after-school. So many kids are focused on extracurriculars that they lose time in the now when they need to be engaged in academic studies,” said Coach Perez.
This means that the standards on the team are very high both inside and outside the classroom.
“I am looking for students with 90% attendance who are not failing any academic course. In my mind, student-athletes who plan to wear the softball uniform should consistently wear the school uniform, remaining the same in all cases and at all times,” said Coach Perez.
The players are buying into this mentality.
”I feel like balancing softball and school as a student athlete for so long has been challenging at times. Sometimes it’s hard to manage my sleeping schedule and to manage coming to school early. It’s been hard managing to hang out with my friends and to make time for my family or for myself because I just get so consumed with all of my responsibilities regarding school and sports. But overall, it has been rewarding in the end and I wouldn’t change anything about it,” said Mia.
The students are taking the challenge to heart, working to improve both their mindset and their skills.
“To me discipline means doing what needs to be done even when I don’t want to do it. It means going to an 8am Saturday practice even when I don’t want to get up, knowing that I also have an 11am practice that Sunday,” said Kaiselin Ortiz Vasquez (Class of 2027).
Commitment is a concept that more than one player needs to have.
“It means staying focused and remembering that the sport isn’t just about me, but also my team,” said Kaiselin.
Starting the new season with hard work and goals means the Lady Eagles are ready to give it their all. The team is taught that hard work beats talent, and that consistency, responsibility, and discipline are essential values for a varsity softball player from HS223.
“It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about the experience. It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey,” said Coach Perez.
With this mindset, the Lady Eagles are looking forward to putting the school’s name on top and winning the City Championships.
“This new season is some of our last games. We haven’t won a championship yet so that’s what we’re really going after,” said Kaiselin.
