Angie Falls ‘27 and Sydney Root ‘28 have both made names for themselves in high school softball as pitchers. From an early point in their high school careers, they have stood out for their talent and composure. Their presence on the mound has become a key part of the team’s identity.
Both girls have been on the varsity team since their freshman year. Competing at this high level so early is no small accomplishment. It reflects the trust their coaches have in their abilities.
They have worked tirelessly to get to where they are today. Both girls have been playing softball since they were young, and have worked hard to grow their skills.
For Falls, success is rooted in discipline and preparation. She believes that the work put in before a game determines the outcome. Her mindset is centered on controlling what she can and staying focused.
“What motivates my pitching is all the work I put behind it,” Falls explains. She takes pride in the hours of practice that often go unseen. That preparation gives her confidence when she steps onto the mound.
Root agrees with Falls about the importance of hard work. However, she also emphasizes the impact of team culture on her development. For her, success is shared.
As the only freshman in her class to make varsity last year, Root entered a new environment. The jump to varsity competition can be intimidating for many athletes, but she quickly realized she had support.
She found immediate encouragement from her new teammates. Their attitude made the transition smoother. That support helped her feel like she truly belonged.
“Last year I was the only freshman and everyone was so welcoming and I felt like that really helped with my performance,” Root said. The support she received helped her to focus on contributing to her new team. Instead of feeling intimidated, she embraced the opportunity to learn from older players and grow into her role.
Both players acknowledge Xavier’s strong sense of camaraderie as a defining feature of the program. Team chemistry plays a major role in their success and the bond between players extends beyond the field.
“Just having a great team behind you helps with team spirit and support,” Falls adds. Knowing her teammates strengthens her performance. The shared trust builds resilience during challenging games.
As athletes making a significant impact, Falls and Root represent not only the present strength of Xavier softball, but also its promising future. Through hard work and resilience, they continue to raise the bar for themselves and their team. Their leadership sets a standard for what it means to be both competitive and supportive.
Pitching coach Sydnie Steffen is very proud of the girls’ successes on the pitching mound. “They’re pretty prepared girls, so it helps them with the stress of going into things,” Steffen says. She believes their preparation and composure will continue to fuel their growth, making them key contributors to the program for years to come.
She’s confident in Falls and Root’s pitching this season. “I think we’re looking good, and we’ll do as best as we can,” Steffen says. She believes their preparation in the offseason and strong mindsets on the mound will set the tone for the rest of the team.
The program has created a foundation where young athletes like Falls and Root can thrive. The environment encourages growth both on and off the field. Players are pushed to improve while feeling supported.
The varsity softball’s first game is Feb. 26 against Sunrise Mountain. The Xavier community is encouraged to come out to support Falls and Root along with the rest of the team.
