The Monterey Wildcats softball team is building more than just a winning record this season. They are building a mindset.
Under head coach Brad Swafford, the Lady Wildcats have continued their upward trajectory, coming off a strong 17-win campaign a year ago and carrying that momentum into a season defined by growth, youth, and mental toughness.
“I think in softball and baseball both, you have to be mentally prepared,” Swafford said. “You can’t have things looming on your mind, things from the outside, you can’t let a bad at-bat beat you the whole day, you can’t let an error that you make on the field affect you the whole day.”
That emphasis on mentality has become a cornerstone of Swafford’s approach since taking over the program. After guiding Monterey to an 8-1 district record last season, Swafford is now tasked with blending experience and youth, especially with several freshmen stepping into key roles.
Rather than shying away from the challenge, Swafford said the younger players have steadily found their footing.
“It’s gelling together,” Swafford said. “We’re hoping district tournament goes well for us and we can get a region berth and that is what we’re vying for right now.”
The early results suggest the Lady Wildcats remain competitive, including a win over Smith County that showcased their offensive potential. But Swafford said success goes beyond the scoreboard. Swafford said he wants his players to understand the value of the game itself.
“You get to come out here for a couple of hours and you can forget everything that’s bothering you,” Swafford said. “It’s a chance to get away, and sometimes if you step back from your problems or come back to them, all of a sudden solutions come to you. You got to step back, so I really stress being mentally prepared because you got to be mentally prepared to play this game well.”
With the district tournament approaching, Swafford said Monterey’s goals are clear: Continue to grow, stay mentally locked in, and earn a spot in the region.
