![Wayland Historical Society Executive Director Scarlett Hoey explains the history of the Cochituate Gatehouse.
"The exterior is still a nice monument to remember buildings [involved in] water history," Hoey said. "We all drink lots of water, and it's such an important resource that we kind of take for granted nowadays."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_2024-1200x800.jpg)
Coming off of a 2-16 2025 season, the varsity softball team is hoping for a strong bounce back from last season. The team did not lose any seniors last year and is excited about the new inclusion of Weston players into the program.
Last year, eighth graders were brought up to play on the high school team in order to give the team the amount of players they needed for a full roster. The team has pivoted this season to implementing a co-op with Weston High School in order to fill the bench. The addition of players has made tryouts more competitive for Wayland players, as they are competing for varsity spots against Weston players. Unlike how eighth graders were automatically placed on JV last year, Weston players have the opportunity to compete for varsity spots.
“Combining with Weston brings more depth, more competition and a chance for players to be exposed to different teammates and styles of play,” head coach Sarah Woodside said.
This year’s senior captains are Sophia Beckett, Kelsey Kaufmann and Kiera Hines. Beckett is committed to play Division III softball at Endicott College in the fall and is determined to use this accomplishment as motivation throughout the season. Becket is currently at a total of 364 strikeouts and hopes to reach her personal goal of 500 career strikeouts.
“It feels refreshing [to enter my senior season committed], but it also doesn’t change the expectations I was holding myself to,” Beckett said. “If anything, I expect more out of myself this year.”
The team is hoping to find success by increasing team chemistry early in the season and work as a unit to secure a winning record.
“Talent isn’t usually the issue, it’s how fast we can build trust, communication and a shared standard,” Woodside said. “If that takes too long, it can show up early in the season.”
According to sophomore Kaitlyn DiJulia, the team has a great bond and is determined to go far.
“My favorite thing about playing softball is getting to know my team and spending time together,” DiJulia said. “Everyone on the team is so fun to be around, win or lose.”
Wayland’s next game is on Wednesday, April 8 against Holliston High School. The team’s full schedule can be found on Arbiter.
