Del Norte High School Softball Alumni

2018 Nighthawk Varsity Softball. Seniors Camryn Smith ( #3) Grace Roberts ( #13) and Olivia Oppeltz ( #14)

2017 Nighthawk Varsity Softball. Seniors Caleigh Smith ( #5) Taylor Carr ( #6) Anne Marie Prentiss ( #7) Melissa Abrahamian ( #8) Vivian Hoang ( #10) Shea Lane ( #11)

First Nighthawk Varsity Softball Team - 2011 - Monica Shifflet ( #2) Christina Caravelli ( #12) Rachelle Joseph ( #11) Kaitlin Manuel ( #4) Megan Vincent ( #16) Molly Campbell ( #6) Natalie Shifflet ( #5) Jessica Bever ( #3) Dana Cruse ( #15) Emily Harper-Guerra ( #13) Michaela Schwartz ( #17) Kiley Smith ( #7) Meghan Haley ( #20)

2016 Nighthawk Varsity Softball. Seniors Haley Cruse ( #1) Emily Scioscia ( #3) and Carlin Smart ( #12)

2015 Nighthawk Varsity Softball. Fourth Senior Class - Bryn Burrows ( #8)

2014 Nighthawk Varsity Softball. Third Senior Class - Molly Campbell ( #6) Kiley Smith ( #7) and Lauren Wendell ( #10)

2013 Nighthawk Varsity Softball. Second Senior Class - Dana Cruse( #15) Nicole Dobrotin ( #12) Jasleen Ghumann ( #10) Rachelle Joseph ( #11) Kaitlin Manuel ( #4) Michaela Schwartz ( #17) Monica Shifflet ( #2) Natalie Shifflet ( #5)

These are trying times as our nation and world battles the insidious coronavirus. Schools are shut down, athletic seasons cancelled and most importantly, and tragically, lives of loved ones are being lost. Our hearts break for so many and I pray each morning for healing and an end to this terrible pandemic!!!

Through all of this trial and tribulation, I know one thing.... a virus cannot take away the memories created, and the special relationships we developed in the team room, dugout and on the field at Del Norte High School. Together we spent many hours, laughing, crying, sweating, winning, losing, loving and sometimes disappointing....but most importantly we worked together to achieve common goals focusing on the 10 Commitments we made to each other each and every March.

Each graduating class of Nighthawk Softball players starting in 2012 has established a foundation upon which current Nighthawk players now stand. The first Nighthawk Varsity team took the field in February, 2011 and this 2020 season is the 10th Varsity softball team to compete on our beloved field. Unfortunately the coronavirus has potentially brought an end to this season which may never be regained for the girls who are proudly wearing the Nighthawk uniform this Spring (We are still waiting for official direction from CIF). The team is off to a strong start on and off the field and hopes are high for another strong playoff run!!

My heart is particularly burdened for the Seniors who may not get the chance to step on the Nighthawk softball field again if CIF officially ends this season - Maya Bailey, Alex Garza, Melissa Mackrovitch, Breannah McCann, Lauren Robinson and Caitlyn Roberts. In addition to these Seniors, our Nighthawk thoughts and prayers also go out to Haley Cruse who will not get to finish her Senior season at University of Oregon.

This virus will pass and life will continue, although we will all be changed for having gone through this difficult experience. That being said, we have an opportunity to do something special; to create a memory that the current senior class can carry with them as they begin their college journeys.

We'd like to start a new Nighthawk tradition once this virus crisis passes. In July or August we'd like to schedule an Alumni/Varsity Softball game. We would treat the game as Senior Day and honor our Seniors as we always have. After the game, we would host a family Beach Day/BBQ at the Train Station (maybe even include a Dizzy Lizzy competition 😀)

We are Nighthawk strong and together we're better!!

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them together is what makes life meaningful."

Please share this with any Nighthawk Softball player that you know😀