HOLLY POND, Ala. — The Holly Pond Lady Bronco are coming off another solid season on the diamond as they finished runners-up in the area tournament and qualified for Regionals. One of this year’s seniors, Molly Neal recapped that season and talked about what she learned playing alongside some great teammates.
“I feel like we played really well last season. I think that overall, there were some games that we lost that we could’ve played better overall, but there were also some games that we lost that we gave our all. I’m proud of what we accomplished throughout our season. I learned that even when you give it your all, there’s always more that you can give, whether it’s effort or encouragement. My teammate, Madyson Rickman (MJ), taught me that you can’t be afraid to step up when a teammate is struggling. This past year, I learned what it takes to be a leader. It’s not just letting your team know where the play is or how many outs there are; it’s when someone is down on themselves. You are there to pick them up or you stay after practice to help them with whatever they are struggling with.”
She added,
“My former teammate MJ and I formed a strong friendship over the past few years and to play alongside my best friend her last year was something I’ll never forget. We always pushed each other to go harder or further than the last throw or swing and to keep our heads up throughout the tough losses. Bai Widner was always the first person to pick you up after an error or a bad at-bat and was definitely everyone’s biggest fan. She picked me up many times after a bad at-bat and was the first person to high-five me after a good play. She is a good player and an even better teammate. Maggie Nail is a player that I’ve watched, over the years, grow into an incredible ball player. As a freshman, she helped lead our team to some of the biggest wins over the season. She brings a lot of competition in not only games, but in practice as well. I love the competitiveness and heart that she brings onto the field. Seeing her accomplishments over the year only makes me proud to be her teammate and I can’t wait to see her go to the next level one day.”
Molly has learned a ton from some amazing coaches during her softball career.
“I’ve played for a handful of coaches and my first one, Jason Widner, is the one that helped me find my love and passion for the game. He has coached me every year for school and has always pushed me. He has believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. He has taught me to always have fun, even when the game is tough. My old travel coach, Mary Grimes, taught me everything I know and helped develop me into the player that I am today. She taught me that even when it’s hard, you have to keep pushing. She told me something once that has stuck with me through the years and it’s, ‘It’s when you’re tired and feel as if you can’t keep going, is when you have to push the hardest/focus in, because those reps will make you a better player.”
She added,
“Every time I’m tired, I think of that, and it drives me to go even harder, although it took my recent travel coaches to teach me that you have to be patient and trust in God’s plan. Coach Paul and coach Shane have both taught me that you can play your very best and still have fun, that’s it okay to make mistakes, and to make a mental note to work on after the game. I became a better player once I accepted that mistakes will be made and just making that little mental note to work on helped me so much.”
She has seen her game improve so much over the years, but will still continue to put in the work in the offseason as she gets ready for this upcoming season.
“I have improved a lot over the years. Each coach has helped bring me to a higher level and understanding of the game. My trainer Jim Goble and I have worked together for the past three years and not too long ago, we were looking back at videos from where I first started. They were really bad is what he said, but it’s all the hours that I have put in at the cages or in my backyard that has really helped me. I’ve always seen room for improvement. Even now as a senior, I still go to the cages every week to work with coach Jim. I play travel ball year-round, so I’m always trying to take my game even higher,” she said. “Everything can use some improvement. I think that there are some things that I do well than others, but I will continue to work on everything.”
She soaked up as much as she could from last year’s seniors and talked about the goals for 2024.
“They taught me that there are different types of leaders and that this game is not forever. Some players are blessed to be able to play in college, but even then, it all comes to an end, so enjoy it while it lasts. Soak in every moment, whether it’s practice or a game, because you never know when it will be the last and to take it one step and one pitch at a time. Softball is a fast-paced game, so you have to stay level-headed and not get overwhelmed by the little things,” she said. “My individual goals are to make the All-County and All-Area teams, as well as step into the leader role that my coaches are expecting from me since the loss of our recent seniors. My team goals are to win county this year. West Point has won the past few years and it’s time for someone new to win the title.”
She added,
“Another team goal is to play hard every game and pick each other up on the hard ones. This year, we lost a lot of players, and we will have a harder schedule, but I believe that we have a good, hard-working ball team that can go as far as we put our mind to.”
Molly hopes that this season will be another special one for the Lady Broncos and she talked about her role models growing up.
“What will make us special to watch is our heart and grit. We have been in games when we were down by five or six runs, and we came back to win the game. Everybody wears their heart on their sleeves and truly shows their compassion for the game while they play. We have a lot of talent on our team, and the way we all come together as a family to encourage each other is incredible. I am very blessed to be a part of this team,” she said. “Hailey McCleney was one of my biggest role models growing up. Watching her play at Alabama inspired me to one day play at the college level. The way she puts her all into every play and hypes her teammates up when they are feeling down encourages me to be that person for my teammates.”
She talked about the best advice that someone ever gave her.
“Steve Johnson, an early influence in my life, told me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. You have to continue to challenge yourself to be able to grow as not only a player, but a person too. Without the challenge, you will never reach your full potential. He taught me self-accountability and to trust the process.”
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