North Cedar softball team working hard

STANWOOD - The North Cedar Knights softball team got two new coaches this year and, with only three returning starters, there are all sorts of challenges.

Chuck Smith from Anamosa is the new head coach and Alex Curley, a former North Cedar Knight from Stanwood, is his assistant. Curley played left field for the Knights and plays softball and lacrosse for Simpson College.

Last year, the Knights were one game away from going to state, but lost to Alburnett.

'Bad habits are hard to break, but you got to work at it,” Smith said.

Meranda Thimmes, Olivia Brown and Jordan Bendixen are the returning varsity starters. Other players will have to step up to the plate and work hard. Jordan Bendixen and Meranda Thimmes have been working hard at pitching to fill a gap caused by graduation.

This year's team is smaller in numbers, but also is a closer unit. The upperclassmen always make the incoming freshmen work hard, but the girls have fun. All the girls encourage and support each other throughout the season.

Keep your eyes open for the Knights, because they never stop working hard.