Simpson Softball Welcomes Largest Transfer Class Under Stower
By: Guinaiya Ayuyu Garcia
Simpson University softball is bringing a new group of players to the team this season as the program welcomes nine transfers and five freshmen. For head coach Wayne Stower, this is the largest transfer class he has recruited during his time with the program.
With so many new players joining the roster, the team will have a mix of experience and new energy heading into the upcoming season.
Stower said one thing that stood out to him about this recruiting class was the players’ ability and desire to be at Simpson.
“Probably their athletic ability to play the game and just desire to be here,” Stower said.
The nine transfers bring experience from playing at the collegiate level already. At the same time, the five freshmen bring new athletic ability and the opportunity to grow within the program.
“I think the transfers bring more experience and are more mature. The freshmen bring that athletic ability and the eagerness to fill holes in the lineup,” Stower said.
The combination of transfers and freshmen gives Simpson a deeper roster going into the season.
“I think the number of kids and the depth that we have makes me excited,” Stower said, “It gives us a lot of options for kids to play.”
For the players coming into a new program, the transition can be a big change. Transfer player Megan O’Neal is one of the nine transfers joining Simpson softball this season. O’Neal said her decision to come to Simpson was mainly because of softball and the opportunity to play.
“Well, it was all about softball,” O’Neal said.
At her previous school, O’Neal said she did not get much playing time, which played a role in her decision to transfer.
“At my last school, I didn’t get playing time, so here I’m hoping for something better,” O’Neal said.
So far, O’Neal said her transition to Simpson has been positive.
“It’s been good. I like the environment, and I like all the people here,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal also noticed a difference in the size of the team. She said her previous team had around 25 players, while Simpson has more than 31 players on the roster this season.
“It’s definitely been different,” O’Neal said. “My last school, I only had, like, 25 on my team, and this team is 31 plus.”
Even with so many new players, O’Neal said the team has already started to build good chemistry. O’Neal said the team has quickly developed a positive environment as the players have gotten to know one another.
“I think it’s really good, actually,” O’Neal said, “I haven’t had any issues with anyone. There’s no toxicity, which is really helpful.”
Stower also believes the players joining the program want to compete and be a part of the team. With nine transfers and five freshmen, the Red Hawks have added a large group of new players who bring different experiences to the roster.
For Simpson softball, the upcoming season will be a chance to see how the new players fit together. With a mix of new and returning players, Stower sees plenty of potential in this year’s team. As the season approaches, he is looking forward to seeing how the team comes together on the field.
Shot By: Guinaiya Ayuyu Garcia
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