Now that baseball season is in swing, players have a fresh start and a new head coach.

“We are preparing in a combination of ways,” head baseball coach Chad Krempin said. “We started the year with some baseball work and weight work, along with speed. We are focused on the basics and strength gains.”

The team has been working on a variety of skills both on and off of the field to start and continue strong during the season. They are compiling their personal and team strengths and hoping they coincide with one another.

“Our biggest strengths so far are pitching and offense,” senior Matthew Garza said. “We also have a strong bond, since so many of us have played together since we were young.”

Events outside of practices have allowed the players to expand their connections, such as dinners and team hang outs.

“It’s always fun when we have team dinners during the season,” Garza said. “Lately we have been getting together and playing ping pong and NBA2K to build our relationship.”

Aside from the team building, Krempin and the boys have created a variety of expectations for the season.

“We’re trying to develop a culture of team first, trust and expectations,” Krempin said. “We have set our goals high. We are aiming to win 20 games and secure a spot in the playoffs.”

Krempin isn’t the only member of the team hoping for a playoff spot. Senior Devin Hooper also hopes the team does well this season, and becomes the first varsity baseball team at the school to ever do so.

“I can tell you we are not like any other Rouse team before,” Hooper said. “We are ready to go.”