Esperanza’s Varsity Women’s Softball Team began their season without their star pitcher, Junior, Chrys Hildebrand. Prior to the season beginning, Hildebrand suffered a wrist injury as a result of overuse. She has been playing softball for 12 years now, and pitching at Esperanza for 3 of those years.

She and her teammates shared how this injury impacted the team during Hildebrand’s absence. “It was hard at first to keep the defense and the team together because everyone kind of got down. But after a few games, we figured everything out and we started winning. Chrys is back with us now, and since then, we beat YL, Canyon, and Brea,” said Junior, Hailey Bosley.

When asked about how she built up her pitching skills, Hildebrand claimed that,“like being skilled in anything, you just have to practice harder each day and find self motivation.” With this positive attitude, Hildebrand has achieved playing on varsity since her freshman year at Esperanza.

Aside from being a favorable asset to the team due to her talent, Hildebrand additionally inspires her teammates to the point of achievement. “I am grateful to have her out there pushing to do her best,” said sophomore, Taylor Halterman.

Halterman went on to say that, “Chrys is our best pitcher because she is very consistent with her pitches. As a team, we work together and help her get the outs that she needs because she is working so hard on the mound.”