JUDA - The Juda-Albany softball team has had great success in the five years of its cooperative program with two state tournament appearances in the past three years.
Senior Sayde McDermott has experienced four years of having teammates from a different school. McDermott, an Albany senior, is the starting third baseman for the Panthers. She wants to continue the success of the Juda-Albany co-op.
"I really have to thank both schools," McDermott said. "Without it (the co-op), I don't know where we would be. Without the co-op, I don't think the Albany girls would be playing. Without it, the Juda team wouldn't be what they are."
What Juda-Albany is on the field is a team that boasts a 25-2 mark and is ranked second in the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Division 4 state poll. The Panthers will play a WIAA Division 4 state semifinal game against Phillips at 9 p.m. Thursday at Goodman Diamond in Madison.
"We have bonded not only as a team, but as people too," Juda senior Sara Jordan said.
Whether it's in a group chat or playing a game during practice, the Juda-Albany softball players remain humble and at ease as teammates.
"It's a dream come true," Jordan said of playing in the state tournament.
The co-op has been a perfect marriage on the softball diamond.
"If one school is lacking in talent the other will be able to help out," Detra said. "We are so small schools that we can rely on each other so much. We are a big family."
Juda-Albany has team dinners, group chats and hangs out like many other teams in other sports, but several players credit Juda-Albany coach Bill Davis for providing a welcoming environment where players are not afraid to fail and are supported.
"He (Davis) plays a huge part," Detra said. "He's so welcoming. He knows how to make it fun. He's played softball his whole life."
Davis gives his players credit for knowing the boundaries with each other between the lines and on the court.
"The kids are great when they are competing against each other," Davis said when it's a Juda against Albany in another sport like basketball or volleyball. "They can separate that from being friends and playing together in softball. It has a lot to do with all of us having a common purpose. Win or lose, we do it as a team. Nobody ever points fingers."
Davis has Juda-Albany focusing on the minor details that could play a leading role in a close game in the state tournament. Whether it's hitting the cutoff person or laying down a bunt, Davis knows just one speed - fast and determined.
"Bill's motto is 1-0," Juda-Albany junior pitcher Nicki Becker said. "I trust in Bill. It's about taking it just one game and play at a time. Every out counts."
Davis understands every player and coach on the team has a common goal. They are looking to bring home the first gold trophy in the history of the program. Winning a state championship would be a highlight, but Davis made sure his players didn't lose sight in enjoying the ride and moment on the way to state.
"The kids have had a purpose all season and to reach one of our major goals is a great accomplishment," Davis said.
Senior Sayde McDermott has experienced four years of having teammates from a different school. McDermott, an Albany senior, is the starting third baseman for the Panthers. She wants to continue the success of the Juda-Albany co-op.
"I really have to thank both schools," McDermott said. "Without it (the co-op), I don't know where we would be. Without the co-op, I don't think the Albany girls would be playing. Without it, the Juda team wouldn't be what they are."
What Juda-Albany is on the field is a team that boasts a 25-2 mark and is ranked second in the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Division 4 state poll. The Panthers will play a WIAA Division 4 state semifinal game against Phillips at 9 p.m. Thursday at Goodman Diamond in Madison.
"We have bonded not only as a team, but as people too," Juda senior Sara Jordan said.
Whether it's in a group chat or playing a game during practice, the Juda-Albany softball players remain humble and at ease as teammates.
"It's a dream come true," Jordan said of playing in the state tournament.
The co-op has been a perfect marriage on the softball diamond.
"If one school is lacking in talent the other will be able to help out," Detra said. "We are so small schools that we can rely on each other so much. We are a big family."
Juda-Albany has team dinners, group chats and hangs out like many other teams in other sports, but several players credit Juda-Albany coach Bill Davis for providing a welcoming environment where players are not afraid to fail and are supported.
"He (Davis) plays a huge part," Detra said. "He's so welcoming. He knows how to make it fun. He's played softball his whole life."
Davis gives his players credit for knowing the boundaries with each other between the lines and on the court.
"The kids are great when they are competing against each other," Davis said when it's a Juda against Albany in another sport like basketball or volleyball. "They can separate that from being friends and playing together in softball. It has a lot to do with all of us having a common purpose. Win or lose, we do it as a team. Nobody ever points fingers."
Davis has Juda-Albany focusing on the minor details that could play a leading role in a close game in the state tournament. Whether it's hitting the cutoff person or laying down a bunt, Davis knows just one speed - fast and determined.
"Bill's motto is 1-0," Juda-Albany junior pitcher Nicki Becker said. "I trust in Bill. It's about taking it just one game and play at a time. Every out counts."
Davis understands every player and coach on the team has a common goal. They are looking to bring home the first gold trophy in the history of the program. Winning a state championship would be a highlight, but Davis made sure his players didn't lose sight in enjoying the ride and moment on the way to state.
"The kids have had a purpose all season and to reach one of our major goals is a great accomplishment," Davis said.
