The Softball Club is a new club on campus that gives students the opportunity to play recreationally without the commitments of an intercollegiate team. The club was created based on student interest and is sponsored by the Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (APER) department. Members meet every Monday at 5:30pm on the soccer field and there is still time to join.
“We meet for only about an hour once a week right now to practice,” said Head Athletic Trainer and softball coach, Natalie Spangler. “We will be competing in a local slow-pitch softball league beginning March 17th.”
Members like second year MFA student Megan Susman and first year graduate student of Education Leadership Erica Dominguez have expressed positive feedback about joining.
“I joined this club because I used to play in high school, and once I saw a notification last semester in the student news about it, I realized how much I missed it,” Susman said.“I find softball cathartic; there’s something about throwing a ball and sprinting and hitting things with a bat that relaxes me. It’s a great way to get rid of stress and have fun.”
Even if members do not come to the club with a background in softball, Spangler provides support for novice players.
“The coach, Natalie Spangler, is stellar,” Dominguez said. “Last semester I had zero experience playing the sport, but Natalie reached out and took extra time to truly help me improve on my throw and swing. Even if you are a beginner, the club is about learning and having fun in the process. Come and join us!”
Spangler was glad to be the point of contact for the club based on her own personal experiences with the sport.
“I love teaching new players how to play what’s considered America’s favorite past-time, and also seeing experienced players have fun doing what they love,” said Spangler. “It’s definitely my favorite sport, and I am so glad to bring it to Mills.”
The Softball Club has plans to possibly watch a UC Berkeley softball game and attend the upcoming A’s game on April 18th. These will be members only events, paid for by the club budget. If interested in joining, contact Natalie Spangler at nspangle@mills.edu.
