Olympia seniors eye trip to softball state

STANFORD, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — They are calling it their last ride.

Nine Olympia seniors on a softball team hungry to get to state.

“We’ve all been waiting for May 2024 knowing this is our last ride,” said Olympia senior pitcher Danika Frazier. “The preparation is there, now it’s a mental game.”

The Spartans bring a 26-1-1 record into regional play this week. They are eyeing a trip to Peoria and the class 2A state finals.

“We’ve all wanted this so badly,” said senior outfielder Kat Springer. “This is our last ride. We are going to do everything we can to get there.”

The Spartans are once again a state contender. The school captured state titles in 2002, 2003 and 2009 and went 13 consecutive seasons between 1999-2011 when it won 30 or more games.

Despite having good teams in recent seasons, the Spartans are on a five-year state tournament drought. These seniors hope to take Olympia to its first state finals appearance since 2019.

“They’ve been our most successful group and it hasn’t happened for them the past few years,” said Olympia head coach Courtney Hoffman. “They’re driven this year to get the job done. State is a big goal. We’ve worked hard all season to get to that goal.”

Frazier, Springer and Jordyn Turner are four-year starters for Olympia. Senior Shelby Finchum is a three-year varsity starter.

“We’ve all prepared so much for this postseason,” Finchum said. “We can all accomplish that ultimate goal (of winning state) we’ve had since we were little.”

Frazier, who signed to play at the University of Illinois in November, says she’s dreamed of being the starting pitcher in a state championship game. She still visualizes it.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing college softball so I feel like that state championship is the one milestone I have left before I hang up my cleats in high school,” Frazier said. “I’m picturing myself throwing to the catcher on that field. I think it’s a big deal. To be a champion, you have to think you’re a champion first.”

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