Sienna Stilley said Hanover Central’s trip to the state finals last season has fueled the team’s determination to return and finish the job this spring.
“I feel like this offseason a lot more people have been working a lot harder,” Stilley said. “Because of how far we went last year, everybody wants it so much more than just being runner-up.”
Stilley, a senior committed to Jacksonville State, said the program’s drive has intensified as players realize their potential and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
“We all know we have the potential to be even better than we were last season,” she said. “We’ve really been pushing each other during practices.”
With her college decision complete, Stilley said she can focus entirely on helping the Wildcats succeed.
“It’s definitely a huge weight off my shoulders,” she said. “It makes me feel like I can play more freely.”
Stilley added that the team’s chemistry and collective mindset will be key in a demanding conference schedule.
“No game will be an easy win,” she said. “You have to go out for all seven innings and play as hard as you can, because anything can happen.”
After experiencing state competition, Stilley believes Hanover Central is prepared to chase another deep postseason run.
