You never know what spring might bring. One of the more fun runs in 2025 was the adventure the Sussex Academy softball team took to the semifinals of the state tournament.

The young Seahawks graduated their senior leader Carson Gesuero, but returns nearly every starter from that squad for 2026. The average grade level may hover around 10, but this is an experienced group.

“We learned last year not to be satisfied, so we are building off that and taking it one game at a time,” senior Ryan Lowe said.

“We want to make it to the states and win the championship,” senior Eva Boos said. “That's one higher game than last time.”

Make no mistake, this is a team proud of what they accomplished last season, but they’re humble enough to properly compartmentalize their successes.

“What we did last year is in the past; the new standard, that's where we need to be and that's where we set the bar,” senior Delainie Monitzer said. “We're gonna keep pushing hard at practices and give everything we got one game at a time, one pitch at a time.”

“They come ready to work,” coach Gerald Jester said. “They come every day, working hard, and it's a lot of fun coaching these girls.”

Jester and his staff of Chris Smith, Jason Orlen and Roy Richard are determined to find any edge for the girls.

“We have a great outfield coach, Jason Orlen, and we split up every practice,” Lowe said. “Getting that time, specific to our position, is great.”

Specialized drills have helped produce an outfield that can skip the relay, if needed, and an infield that literally has each others’ back.

“I think our whole defense is the best defense in the state, and I'd take that anywhere,” Monitzer said.

Confident in their ability to limit runs, the Seahawks also think they can produce some of their own.

“We're going to hit the ball, score some runs … we'll manufacture some runs if we have to, and our defense is going to be tough,” Jester said. “Our offense is definitely going to be better than it was last year.”

Sussex Academy could be tested right out the gate when they open their season at traditionally strong Indian River at 4:15 p.m., Thursday, March 26.