Cyprus High School’s softball team took a trip to St. George, Utah. The trip was meant to gear up for the season, but it also created a crucial opportunity to build team chemistry and bonds that can carry them through the season. 

“We use it to bring the team together,” Pirates head coach Rick Quinn said. “The parents come down to support us, but all the girls and coaches stay together. It gives a chance to move players around. We played multiple games a day. We got to see players in all kinds of different situations.”

The team stays together, separate from family and friends. They use the time to get to know each other and learn to communicate openly as a team. Their coach compares it to a college travel ball experience.

“Our team goes down together as one team, not varsity and JV. It is not fair to take all those girls down there and not get them into games. We saw all 21 girls on our team get a chance to play,” Quinn said.

A large majority of the players participate on local travel softball teams during the summer, but for those that don’t, the trip has become a time they can experience what that is like. 

The trip is all about the team and softball. 

The Pirates won three of the five games in St. George. Their losses came to Riverton by a score of 13-3 and Cedar 4-3. 

“We are a deeper team than I thought. I had questions on some girls, could they hold up to the varsity level. A couple of girls proved that they are ready to hold up. We also found some spots that we need to work on,” Quinn said.

Senior Bree Garcia has taken her place as a leader on the team. Her 1.85 ERA and 29 strikeouts has put her in the top tier of pitchers in the state. She has committed to continue her softball career at Snow College when she graduates later this spring.

“She (Garcia) has been a four-year starter and pitched for three years. She has picked up where she left off last year. Our team really rides with her,” Quinn said.

Seniors Calle Sharp and Addie Winn will also carry a load this season as the team’s backbone. Sharp has signed to play at Trinidad College and was second team all-state last season. Winn is planning to continue her career at SLCC. 

“We expect Calle and Addie to give us a lot of good things. Winn is one of the best defensive catchers in the state,” Quinn said.

Quinn also mentioned sophomore Frankee Kelsch and freshman Abbie Hurtado as players he expects to make an impact this season.

“Abbie (Hurtado) led the team in hitting on the trip. As a freshman that is very good. She also has a chance to work by the side of Bree (Garcia). It is a big thing for her to be able to grow,” Quinn said.

Coaches in Region 4 picked Cyprus to finish third this year. 

“Our region is going to be a three-horse race between us, West Jordan and Taylorsville. I think we are underestimated a little bit and we can surprise some teams,” Quinn said. “I think this team has as much heart and desire as any team I have ever been around.”

Quinn is entering his second season as the head coach at Cyprus. λ