The Simpson Storm’s baseball and softball teams are preparing to get back into the swing of things for the upcoming start of their regular seasons. 

Players and coaches alike are excited to start playing games outside. With the help of the updated facilities and new turf fields, the teams are starting out on a better foot than they ever have before.

Hopper Gymnasium has been transformed into the new wrestling facility for the Storm’s men and women’s wrestling teams. And with that, the old wrestling room has been turned into a permanent space for indoor batting cages.

“Every team is competing for space right now but having that place to go that we don’t have to worry about competing for– we’re just really lucky to have it and I think it is going to help us to show up and really compete with the teams we play against this season,” sophomore softball shortstop Alexis Ehlers said.

Brent Matthias, head softball coach for the Storm, also expressed how the new facilities are pumping the team up for the new season.

“What a great blessing it is to have that room for hitting, defense – and I am just thrilled about the new turf, not having to tarp as much as last year, rain delays, and stuff like that. This year let’s just go play ball!” Matthias said.

Not only are the new fields going to be a major plus, but the drive and team spirit are prevalent within the Storm.

Nathan Roling, the head baseball coach, is optimistic and has goals for upcoming games.

“Last year we didn’t end how we wanted to, but this year we have a group that’s hungry to continue to grow,” Roling said. “To get out early this year is going to be great for us and having pieces like Brady Held, Ty Cowley, Trey Castille – guys like Brennen Lemke and Matthew Marquez are going to be awesome leaders for our great group of guys and underclassmen players.”

Speaking of Ty Cowley, the senior outfielder is gearing up for the season with goals not only for himself, but for the team as well.

“Like every year, anything can really happen during the conference tournament, so making it to the tournament is always a goal,” Cowley said. “We have a lot of new guys on the team so seeing how they compete – I think they’re going to help us reach a lot of our goals this season,” 

The Storm’s baseball team is scheduled to kick off the 2023 season against St. Norbert on Feb. 25 in Jacksonville, Ill. and Storm softball is set to travel to Abilene, Texas to face Hardin–Simmons on Feb. 17.