Spring is here and program participation is blooming

After kicking off the start of the Dartmouth Girls Athletic League softball season with a parade down Hawthorne Street and a pitch from Select Board member Shawn McDonald, whose granddaughter plays for the league, the opening games began. 

Brightly colored uniforms dotted the fields at Quinn Elementary School as parents found their favorite spots on the sidelines to cheer on their athletes.

In between games, kids hung out on the playground and, at one point, danced to the “Cotton-Eye Joe.”

“Every year, it’s kind of grown,” said Brian Thomas, the league’s softball commissioner. 

Last year, approximately 160 girls played, but participation has increased to about 180 this season, allowing for some new teams to form, “which is promising for the future,” Thomas said.

The league now has four full 8-and-under teams, which are able to compete for the first time against towns such as Fairhaven and Westport.

Also for the first time, the league has been able to get enough girls to form an 18-and-under team for athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. Thomas said in the past, there were a few sign-ups for the age level, but never enough for a team that can compete. 

Now, these girls can look forward to testing their skills against the New Bedford team.

“With the girls that are moving up next year, we might have the ability to have multiple teams,” he added.

Thomas additionally highlighted how the league’s travel teams continue to grow and he hopes to see this increased participation assist in filling the gaps for the high school teams. Two middle school students played on the team last season as a result of low participation.

With more athletes comes the need for more volunteers. Thomas said he wanted to acknowledge the commitment of the over 40 volunteers who are helping in making this season possible. 

“We’re looking forward to having another good year,” he said.

Going into her second softball season, Olivia Conniff, 7, said she’s feeling good about what’s ahead.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said, adding that she is especially excited to have a friend on her team.

Ryan Conniff said Olivia has participated in a few of the league’s programs, including basketball. 

“I think it’s a great community,” he said.

For five seasons, MacKenzie and Madison Ferreira, 9, have played softball for the league.

Madison said she was interested in joining simply because she thought it was fun.

MacKenzie said, “I like to run and I like to hit balls, so I just thought maybe I should play softball.”

She added learning something new every season that “makes you become better” is what keeps her involved.

For the first time, Bobby Ferreira will be watching their games from the sidelines instead of coaching. 

He said the greatest lesson for the girls to learn through their participation in softball is team building as it prepares them for their futures when they will need to work with others.

In regard to the season, Bobby said, “We’re looking forward to it. It’s exciting and I hope all the girls have fun.”