The Carroll Softball team has had a great start to the year! The team is growing in so many ways. We have a really talented, and now experienced, core group of returners who have shown their leadership every day at practice. We also added 17 newcomers to the team. What a group! They are eager, skilled, and dedicated to becoming great Pio Softball players. They all have come together to create a well-rounded team; working together, getting to know one another, and helping each other on and off the field. It is really fun to watch. The fall is filled with practices, workouts, fundraising and adjusting to life on campus for our players. We were lucky to have had great weather this year and made lots of improvements to make sure we're competing for the top spots in the CCIW and the region.

Because our program is growing and improving, and because the pandemic has changed everything about athletics and the economy, your generosity is even more important. Travel, uniforms, equipment, and food costs are rising quickly. We are also making major improvements to the field. These include a tarp, drainage, and new material, to create a more consistent use of the field during the challenging weather in spring. While this is an initial cost, it will ultimately save us from traveling and allow more play at home. This is so important for the players - they won't miss out on school because of travel.

We depend on our budget and you, our supporters, for the majority of our funding. However, we too work hard to contribute to the bottom line. This fall alone we have worked concession stands, hosted two camps, and done apparel sales - all to earn money for the program. We intend to keep that up so we're all working as a team.

Thank you for making a gift to show your pride in our softball student athletes. It is much appreciated!

-Pio Softball / Team #32

November 5, 2021 UPDATE: Player Gratitude

Hello! Happy November and Thank You to those who've been so generous in their donations! the softball team is spending November doing strength and conditioning workouts, team leadership meetings, and finding ways to get to know each other through battle buddy assignments. The funds that we raise here online will be dedicated to maintaining a high level experience for the players. This includes meeting the rising costs of travel, apparel, and meals, as well as updating and providing appropriate equipment. We are also putting LOTS of work in on the field; drain tile, new surface material on the warning track and bullpens, planting grass to help absorb the spring rain, purchasing a tarp to cover the field in bad weather. All these updates, while costly, are so important to keeping the player experience a good one and to keep us competitive as we recruit and compete.

Here are a couple players' thoughts on what softball, and your donations, mean to them!

"I am very thankful to have the opportunity to play on this team because this is how I met my roommates and lifelong friends. I love having a second family. Thank you to all the donors for helping us!"

~Abby Wimmer (Junior, Catcher)

"Being a part of Pio Softball has given me the opportunity to meet lifelong friends while doing what I love. It has not only taught me softball skills, but life skills that I will use in the future wherever I am. Thank you, donors, for allowing us to have these opportunities!"

~Bridget Rath (Sophomore, Outfielder)

"Being a part of Carroll Softball has not only gifted me with a talented team, but also a wonderful family. I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to be just a piece of our unity. To those who have supported all that we are and strive to become -- THANK YOU!"

~Jessie Nanut (Freshman, Middle Infielder)

"Being a part of this team has made me grateful for the constant support they offer in softball, school and life in general. Thank you so much for your generosity and commitment to our program!"

~Lauren Harshbarger (Junior, Shortstop)

"Being a part of Pio Softball means being a part of something bigger than yourself and making a positive impact on campus, both on the field and in the classroom. Thank you for helping us achieve our goals!!"

~Kaitlyn Reed (Freshman, Outfielder)

A special thanks to the following donors:

Mark Blegen

If you have any difficulty making a gift on this site, please visit connect.carrollu.edu/champions4life to complete the process. Thank you!