The Portage varsity softball team is off to a 5-2 start and has high expectations for the duration of the season with experienced and talented players cluttering the roster. PortageLife.com recently photographed each of the lady-Indians and asked them to share their favorite aspect of being a part of the PHS softball program.
Jena Alaniz
Grade: Senior
Position: Outfield
“My favorite part about Portage softball has got to be the family connection we have on the team. I love all of the girls like they’re my sisters. Playing for Portage High School is unique because we are such a family and we are all friends.”
Abby Alexander
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Shortstop/Outfield
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program would have to be that we are a family. There is no drama on the team and we all treat each other like a true family and everyone is there for each other.”
Kaitlin Doud
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Shortstop/Pitcher
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program is how close we all are. Playing for Portage high school is unique because varsity and JV are united as if we’re one big family.”
Haley Hodges
Grade: Senior
Position: Catcher
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program is how close all the girls are. We really all care for each other and love spending time together. That’s also what makes us unique. We have a really close, tight-knit group that really makes playing for PHS fun.”
Alexis Johnson
Year: Junior
Position: Third base/ shortstop
“I just love playing with the girls because we are all like sisters. Playing for Portage is unique because every girl on the team is different. We are all goofy and have such a fun time together on and off the field.”
Kiley Jones
Year: Sophomore
Position: Pitcher
“One thing our program prides ourselves in is being united. We are such a diverse group of girls that are all hysterically funny in our own ways. Whenever there is a remotely dull moment, we can count on one of us to lighten the mood with an unexpected, yet hilarious comment or joke. We are next to never not laughing. Someone is always cracking up about something.”
Jalise McKnight
Year: Senior
Position: Outfield
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program is having the ability to play with an amazing group of girls that are determined to reach for the same goals I am. The fact that this team is a family and are always there for each other makes playing for Portage High School unique. We are all chasing our dreams and aren’t letting up at all. I love this team so much.”
Dalton Minor
Year: Sophomore
Position: Catcher/Third base
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the softball program at Portage is the family we’ve created. I’ve learned so much from the girls; about the game and being a better person in general. Playing at Portage is definitely unique because no matter what the situation we always keep positive and I’m always laughing when I’m with them.”
Taylor Mora
Year: Junior
Position: First base
“My favorite aspect of being part of the Portage softball program is being a Portage Indian and representing my school while doing my favorite thing. Playing for Portage High School is unique because all of us are so different in life, but when it comes to softball we all get together and work hard and we’ve become a family.”
Lauren Murray
Year: Senior
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program is how far we’ve come as a team in the past few years. Everyone knows that not only is playing a great season important to us, but being able to work together as a team and being able to have fun out on the field is what makes me love Portage softball.”
Rachel Ortiz-Zabloudil
Year: Junior
Position: Outfield/ Second base
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program is the team. We’re more than just a bunch of girls, we’re like a family. Playing for PHS is unique because we have almost all the same returning players from last year, which is allowing us to work better together."
Katie Peksenak
Year: Senior
Position: Second base
“My favorite aspect of being a part of the Portage softball program would have to be the coaches and the girls. Each of our coaches brings something different to the table and are always willing to do whatever it takes to make us the best we can possibly be.”
Stephanie Upton
Year: Senior
Position: First base
“My favorite aspect of being on this team is how we play so well together. We are all very good softball players and when you put us together, we have a great team. It’s unique playing for this team because we are all so different and have different personalities, but when softball season rolls around we become really close and get along really well.”
Heather Zengler
Year: Senior
Position: Pitcher
“My favorite aspect of playing for Portage is that we are a family. We all have each other’s backs. I think what is unique about playing for Portage is how close we are as a team. We all get along and like spending time together.”
John Hall and Jay Hodges, Assistant Coaches
“It feels good being back here coaching again for Portage. It’s a great team to coach with, a great group of seniors, it’s great to be around the team.” –Hall
For more on the Portage softball team, follow this link!
Click here to view a full gallery of the Portage softball players' photos!