Abbey L’Odense has been to Des Moines exactly once in her life. That was a year ago, when her Windmills fastpitch softball team traveled there and participated in the USSSA Midwest National Championship tournament. True, she and her teammates went winless in Des Moines, but she insists it’ll be different this time around for her 14U team this weekend.
“I think we’re definitely going to do better playing-wise,” said L’Odense, a pitcher and middle infielder. “This year I don’t think we’ll be as nervous, since we’ve been there before. I’m really excited this year. Going out of state for tournaments and playing with my team is always really fun. We always make the most of it, even if we don’t do so well.”
L’Odense and a host of Riverside and Brookfield Windmills players enjoyed Monday’s sendoff party at Veterans Park in North Riverside, which featured food, a DJ and a visit from US99 radio personality Melissa McGurren. Later this week, the program’s 11U, 13U, 14U and 15U squads will be off to Des Moines for the Midwest national championships, while the 12U team will head to Canton, Michigan, for the USSSA Great Lakes National Championship.
Tegan Sheridan, an outfielder and middle infielder on the 11U team, has never been to Des Moines for any reason, softball or otherwise. Pre-tournament, what’s her perception of what it will be like?
“It’s going to be hot,” Sheridan said. No argument there. Hydration and cooling towels will be the order of the day. But it’s more than that. It’s going to be really fun to be with our team and enjoy the good weather,” she said.
Her dad, Trent, is an assistant coach and said the team has been playing since April, taking part in several tournaments in order to be ready for Des Moines. He’s never been to Des Moines, either. His perception?
“I think for us, we’re just kind of looking at seeing teams from around the Midwest, and teams that are going here are probably ones that have been competing and doing well,” he said. “I think it will be interesting to accept that challenge. It’s a fun learning and competitive experience we’ll remember for a long time.”
Mae Zalewski is on that 11U team and is a catcher/outfielder. She, too, has never been to Iowa for any reason. But she’s excited about the opportunity, and the good news is that, in her mind, there’s no pressure.
“Not really, because you can hang out with your friends,” she said.
Heading in the other direction of the Midwest with her 12U team, to Canton, will be Hazel Jurgens, who plays first base and third base. Like Zalewski, Jurgens feels like there’s nothing to worry about. She’s played for the Windmills for four years, and like her Iowa cohort, loves playing with her teammates.
“I like how we support each other,” she said.