If it’s springtime, it’s baseball and softball time.

The two teams have been in training all school year weathering the ups and downs of COVID-19 complications. However, players and coaches are now pleased to see the current drop in cases and are hopeful that the outdoor nature of these sports will allow them to enjoy a season without interruptions.

Both baseball and softball teams competed in pre-season games and tournaments to get ready for the most important part of the season, district games. And both teams have new head coaches making the experience new for everyone.

The softball team, coached by Coach Jennifer Mattheis, is 5-5 right now in district play with four more games on the schedule. As of right now, if the team continues to play like they have been doing and better, they should secure a spot in the playoffs.

After beating San Marcos 10-7, it gave the team a boost to put them in 4th place in the district, trailing behind Hays, Lake Travis, and Bowie.

Although they have been doing fairly well there is still things to be improved. Senior Alana Duran said she is happy with the team’s performance so far, but there is always room for improvement.

“Our seasons going good so far. It could be way better but I really can’t complain,” she said. “So far, I think that if we step up our game a knotch, we could definitely make our way to playoffs. One of the thing that could help us is a good high team batting average and improving our communication on the field.”

The baseball team, which is coached by Coach Gordon Taylor, is 13-11 right now in the district with 4 games left on the schedule. With a new head coach, the team is adjusting to having a successful season.

Taylor said he is working to instill a strong culture of competition to build a foundation for future years.

The team hopes to make the playoffs this season with members hoping to make a more reputable name for Akins. Senior Andrew Garza said, “I hope to make playoffs and we are looking for how we can play better against harder teams and improve the Akins name.”

After losing to San Marcos 6-0, Akins’ overall win places them 6th in the district.

Taylor acknowledges that there is a struggle for the team to adjust to a new coach this season and is striving to better the team.

“It’s always it’s always a challenge to learn the systems of a new place and to learn the ins and outs of day to day in a new place,” he said. “So that’s always a challenge no matter where you go. But other than that, I’ve come across nothing but great kids, teachers, adults everything I felt very welcome.”