At Kamehameha Schools Maui, the softball team has prepared for this season with a goal of fostering a strong sense of personal growth among the players and the team.

With a younger team this season, including some athletes new to the sport, the Warriors have the opportunity to concentrate on character development and foundational skills, therefore helping them overcome obstacles and improve both on and off the field.

As they enter this new fundamental space in their season, head coach Madison Maddela is prioritizing and working with the rest of the coaching staff to instill in her team. She said they are emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation not just in terms of softball skills, but also in developing mental toughness, teamwork and resilience.

With a strategic intent on the basics, the coaching staff is working to instill discipline, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of pride in representing their school and community, and coach Maddela highlighted the value of creating a positive team culture in which every player, regardless of experience level, feels empowered to contribute to the team’s prosperity.

“Our coaching staff focuses on the importance of commitment, communication, and resilience,” Maddela said. “Our program is built upon the Hawaiian value of Kūpono, and it is important for us to do things the right way. We also prioritize the fundamentals of softball while ensuring that our players understand the value of hard work, dedication and supporting one another.”

Last year’s success was measured not solely in terms of wins vs losses but with the growth of personal and athletic prowess and development.

Maddela explained that by putting the spotlight on teamwork and cooperation, the players learn how to communicate effectively, trust others and work toward a common goal, all while developing the skills needed to stay in sync during crucial plays and supporting one another through the highs and lows of the game.

Whether it’s executing a bunt, diving for a tough catch in the outfield or rallying together in the final inning, softball teaches players how to stay composed under pressure and push through challenging moments.

Mastering skills both on and off the field can help players achieve their athletic and personal goals, while building their confidence — not only in themselves, but in their teammates and coaching staff as well.

“Overcoming challenges and setbacks builds resilience,” Maddela said. “This mental toughness helps them to handle pressure elsewhere and bounce back from other difficulties they experience. The self-discipline required to train and improve in softball fosters a strong work ethic. We hope to develop this work ethic into a habit that student-athletes can transfer to every aspect of their lives.”

With a constant effort to improve, from perfecting pitching mechanics to refining batting technique, the team fosters a mentality of growth and resilience, setting a strong foundation for achievement both in softball and in life.