Southern Alberta softball team conquers Alberta Summer Games

“I remember coming in thinking, oh, just another inning, let’s go, let’s keep this rolling, and all of a sudden be like, we won!” Pahl added.

Medicine Hat locals Adriene Campbell and Jessa Kraus credit healthy team dynamics to the straightforward victory.

“Well, I think we’re very loud and upbeat, I think that’s definitely one of the reasons that we do so well. It’s because we’re always cheering, and I wouldn’t say we have a fast pace to the game, but we’re definitely always moving,” said Campbell.

Jessa Kraus added, “I would say that just like our attitudes, everybody gets along, so that really ties into like how you play as a team.”

All four coaches of the team are also from Medicine Hat.

“They supported each other, they did what the coaches asked. It was, it was a easy coaching experience and a really rewarding one, so I’m really proud of them,” said coach Josh Hudson.

And while Hudson felt confident about the newly formed team, zone one was considered the underdog.

Allinson said, “there’s actually a poll they put on Instagram for softball, and they said, ‘who do you think will win, zone one or zone two?’ Everyone voted zone two because no one expects the small southern Alberta team to win.

Coach Hudson says Alberta shouldn’t overlook Medicine Hat’s strong softball scene.

“I know in Medicine Hat, our program has been growing quite a lot. We’re producing a lot of good players. A lot of the players coming out of our programs now are going on and playing like post secondary ball, even in the States, or being recruited by colleges and universities. So yeah, we’ve got good ball happening in Southern Alberta right now,” said Hudson.

The two Medicine Hat players came out of those programs, and plan on continuing to develop in the sport. However, for now all of the athletes will celebrate and get some much needed rest.

“I’m probably going to go out for supper with my family, and then I’m going to sleep in my own bed that’s not a gym mattress. I’m so excited,” said Allinson on Sunday night.

Zone one athletes took home a total of 54 medals at the 2023 Alberta Summer Games.

by Lisa Parent

Southern Alberta softball team conquers Alberta Summer Games

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