This spring, Wakefield’s varsity softball team has shown resilience in their play as they hold an overall record of 11-7. This team has undeniable grit and many talented players. In fact, two players, Emily Fernandez and Maddy Lampman, are committed to college for softball. Their presence and determination on the team have contributed to the positive atmosphere and competitive environment. 

Fernandez is a senior committed to Barton College, a private, four-year liberal arts institution in Wilson, N.C. She plays both first and third base, bringing versatility and consistency to the field. Her path to playing at the next level didn’t come overnight, and it began to feel like a real possibility during the fall of her junior year, when she started gaining attention from college coaches while competing in high-level travel tournaments. After her team disbanded late in the recruiting process, Fernandez faced uncertainty but stayed consistent and trusted that an opportunity would come.

“[My commitment to Barton College] showed me that hard work eventually pays off, no matter how long it takes,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez’s skills extend beyond technical skills, as she is also a great motivator for her teammates. Whether it’s during practices or stressful moments in games, she leads by example with her effort and attitude, helping set the tone for the rest of the team. Her leadership is rooted in the small things that often go unnoticed but make a lasting difference in team culture.

“My advice [to my younger teammates] would be to always hustle and be a great teammate,” Fernandez said. “Those are things that are ‘free,’ and you don’t have to train to be good at them.”

Joining Fernandez among committed athletes, Lampman has committed to Roanoke College, a private, liberal arts college in Salem, V. A. Playing as a catcher and outfielder, she demonstrates a strong understanding of the game, allowing her to contribute wherever she is needed on the field. Lampman reflected on the mental challenges that come along with the recruitment process, explaining how uncertainty and pressure can be hidden within it. Despite these challenges, she was able to stay persistent and continue to grow as a player with the help of her support system.

 “This commitment to me means that all of the work I’ve dedicated over the years is being rewarded, I get to make my family and coaches proud, they’ve seen me and helped me through the entire process,” Lampman said. “My family has been the most important part of my journey; everything I do is to make them proud.”

The encouragement and reassurance shown by her family, as well as her coaches and teammates, helped her stay motivated throughout her high school softball career and recruitment journey. As she wraps up her senior season, Lampman continues to stay focused on improvement, preparing for the collegiate level of competition.

The players’ focus on improvement is clearly seen by head softball coach Brittany Lane. She is in her first year coaching this team. Though she has not been here long, she has witnessed enough of the work ethic by Fernandez and Lampman to know that they will succeed at the collegiate level, even if they face inevitable obstacles. 

“Freshman year is going to be a huge learning opportunity for them, but I know they have a lot of perseverance, and they handle adversity very well,” Lane said. “So whatever challenge they come up with, I know that they won’t give up, but they will dig their feet in even more and try to figure out how to solve those problems.”

For the younger players entering and developing throughout the program, Lampman and Fernandez serve as exceptional role models. Freshman Ellie Blanchette says that playing alongside the two college-bound athletes has made the dream of playing in college seem more attainable and has motivated her to raise her own standards as a player, as their roles helped shape the expectations on the team. Blanchette highlighted their consistent hard work as a standout quality she looks up to.

“They are very motivational people; they always put in a lot of effort,” Blanchette said. “They show that they really want to be there and not just because they have to.”

As Blanchette continues to take the field with Fernandez and Lampman throughout the season, the determination and positive attitudes they demonstrate leave a lasting impression on her approach to the game. Their strong leadership sets a positive tone for the rest of the team and provides a clear picture of what it takes to succeed as a softball player hoping to play at a collegiate level.

“It’s really inspiring seeing that people I know and that I play with can really make it far, and it’s not just a dream,” Blanchette said.