Written by: Shannon Healy
The Providence Academy Softball season is coming to an end. All of the hard work put in during the off-season has paid off, and the team returned more experienced and more skilled than last year.
The Providence Academy Softball Team had off-season practices that helped sharpen their skills, and they were able to play in some tournaments over the winter. Coach Brad Horstman, who has been coaching the Lions’ softball team for the last 13 years, understands the importance of training as a team.
Claire Van Handel, ’25, steps up to the plate ready to swing.
“I think sports are to be shared. The ups, downs, twists, and turns create more memories when they happen in a group,” Horstman explained.
Off-season training was frequent and productive. It allowed many players to improve their skills and also gave them the chance to meet and make friends with their teammates. These practices were only made possible because of the support of the team’s parents.
“Many parents have generously provided instruction, new equipment, and ongoing support going into this season.” Caroline Dierberger, ‘27, said. “As a team, we have sharpened our skills at these off-season practices and even played in a few off-season tournaments together.”
The 2024 softball roster included no seniors, giving all current players another year of experience and growth. The 2025 roster includes seven new players, who have all already played in a varsity-level game this season. Horstman also mentioned that two of these new players are included in the starting lineup. With these new additions and the experienced returning players, the Lions lineup is as strong as ever.
“The Lions’ battery and bullpen are stronger and more seasoned, and the offensive line-up looks to be drastically tougher to pitch to than a season ago when the Lions finished runner-up in the conference,” Horstman said.
The Providence Academy Softball Team moved home games back to the Providence Academy Campus after playing in Loretto the last two seasons. They hope this change encourages more fans to attend their games, and the parents planned more game day activities to boost fan attendance.
The team’s culture is like no other and cheers will be heard from the dugout no matter what is happening in the game. This culture is modeled and encouraged by the captains, Taylor Asche ‘26, Caroline Deirberger ‘27, Claire Van Handel ‘25, and Abby Rynders ‘25. Their leadership is unique and encourages all players to find new friends on the softball field. Not only is the culture strong, but this strength translates on the field. The 2025 roster is the strongest it has ever been.
“For every listed captain, there are two or probably more non-captain students that are matching the input of our captains with their own leadership. A softball team typically needs strong leadership from its catching and pitching and we certainly check those boxes with Stella [Serie], Taylor [Asche], and Erin [Hemingway]. For the first time in maybe six seasons, the defense playing behind the battery matches the strength in the pitching staff and catching, and this has already been on display through our first two games,” Horstman said.
Baseball
Joe Berghult, ’25, celebrates with his teammates after sliding into home.
The Providence Academy Baseball team is led by captains Joe Spades, Joe Berghult, and Gabe Nathe. These senior captains are three of 14 seniors on the 2025 roster. This older and seasoned team has chemistry like no other, with many players going into their third varsity season, giving the team more experience and knowledge.
“Captains Joe Spades, Joe Berghult, and Gabe Nathe have shown tremendous leadership this off-season. They have stood out incredibly in an already strong senior class. This season, I’m looking forward to spending time with all of the seniors,” sophomore J.J. Rooney ‘27 said.
Although the 2025 roster has a large number of seniors, to Coach Trevor Patterson, age is just a number, and he is not afraid to put in younger players.
“If I feel they can improve our team and compete, I will give opportunities to the younger players. This season on Varsity, we have a mix of freshmen to seniors, but [we] are very senior-heavy,” Patterson said.
Joe Spades, ’25, launches the baseball from third base.
“I wish people knew how much thought we put into developing standards for our team to live and play by. The program is one of the best in the school as far as developing young men and leaders,” Berghult said.
“We preach Character on our team. Our team’s character is second to none. In fact, we do team building activities surrounded character to educate the players on what character means and how they can continue to work on improving theirs,” Patterson added.