Winthrop Softball is preparing to travel roughly 700 miles for the first event of their 2021 season, Feldberg’s Invitational in Miami, Florida. There, the Eagles will compete against Florida Atlantic and Florida International in a total of five games starting on Feb. 12.
There will be four other tournaments before Big South Conference games begin — two in Rock Hill and two in Georgia. Among those tournaments, the Eagles will play teams from all across the country including the University of Illinois Chicago, Syracuse University and Mercer University.
“It’s going to be a crazy year with all of the tournaments we have at home, but with COVID, I would rather play tournaments at home than at other schools,” said fifth-year pitcher, Madyson Watson.
Although Watson typically enjoys traveling to the other cities for games, COVID-19 policies prevent the team from sightseeing while away and her family cannot watch her since most schools are not allowing fans in the stands.
Big South Conference games begin with a two–day, three-game series at Campbell on March 19 and 20. There are 55 games scheduled throughout the 2021 season, but the team remains flexible as various obstacles are known to pop up unexpectedly.
Watson was originally looking forward to playing against Texas A&M, but COVID-19 policies prohibit the Eagles from flying to a game. Watson is now eager to play Clemson, Syracuse and Marshall the most.
“All of the schools I have mentioned have great talent and will put up a fight,” Watson said.
This will be the first time the Eagles will face Clemson, playing a double-header on April 13 at Clemson. Winthrop was scheduled to take on the Tigers last year during their inaugural softball season, but the season ended prior to the game being played.
Like many other teams, the Eagles’ 2020 season was cut short, but they still competed in 23 games earning a 12-11 record.
“Everyone on our team gets along and plays well on the field together. Our freshmen this year have the kind of attitude that they take the bull by the horns which is nice to see, especially with the goals that we would like to attain as a team,” Watson said.
Even though Watson is not concerned with having minimal to no fans in the stadium, she recognizes that it may affect every player differently.
“Some athletes feed off of crowds while others could care less if they are there or not. I think we as a team will do fine though considering we have scrimmaged all fall and spring with no one in the stands or anything,” Watson said.
With an entire returning pitching staff and seven starters, the whole team is determined to dominate this season.
“Our focus is to make it into the conference and bring a championship home. Some other goals we have are to stay relaxed and play loose. When we start to put pressure on ourselves and play tight we do not play up to our potential,” Watson said.
The Big South Championship is currently scheduled for May 13-15 in Boiling Springs, NC.
Photo by Olivia Esselman
