VYPE DFW EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Melissa softball head coach, Cassie Crabtree, discusses historic season

With an incredible season that is still on the hunt for more, the Melissa Lady Cardinals softball team has been dominating over their opponents. As the team prepares to take on Lake Belton in the UIL Class 5A Softball State Semifinal matchup, VYPE DFW had the pleasure of catching up with head coach Cassie Crabtree on their historic season!

Making their first appearance in the tournament, Melissa has been on a mission all season. Earning their stripes, the team boasts a 34-2 overall record with several victories over talented teams both in regular season play and post-season play. So, what exactly does it take to keep a team motivated through the highs and the lows? We caught up with Coach Crabtree to discuss just that!

"This season has been nothing short of historic for our team," said Crabtree. "Breaking the Texas home run record, shattering several individual records, and achieving an impressive 34-2 record are just a few of our key accomplishments. The strength of our team lies in our unmatched work ethic, champion mindset, and team unity. Our crazy worth ethic, our daily training, and personal sacrifices set us apart. We've demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back from losses or being down in games with determination, and our strong leadership and culture makes sure that everyone remains moving forward to our goals. We are constantly striving for continuous improvement every day and we never settle for less than our best. Our future goal is clear: to win the state championship. We have the power at the plate, we have the pitching, and we have the defense," she added.

The team has been able to work through their challenges day in and day out with constant motivation driven by their ability to focus on their long-term goals. "The secret to keeping our athletes motivated this season has been centered around our goals, team chemistry, proper rest, and our variety in practice trainings," said Crabtree. "Each player has a purpose and personal investment to this team and they are constantly competing every day. We've kept motivation high by our competitive practices that challenge our athletes and keep the routine fresh with some added rest in there. Balancing individual and team goals has been big, especially in overcoming periods of fatigue and maintaining high spirits no matter what- WE BRING THE ENERGY EVERY DAY and have fun doing it. We've created an environment where outworking the competition and striving to be the best are the norms, not the exceptions."

One of the things that makes any team great is the leadership within the squad. That is, the upperclassmen and the seniors who have been with the program, share the traditions with the younger athletes, and become mentors throughout their years of growth. Coach Crabtree only had great things to say about her seniors:

"The seniors of our squad have been huge for our program, their dedication and leadership have helped the growth of this team. They have provided great guidance to younger players, creating a supportive and great team culture. They have delivered in key games with resilience and determination. Emily is one of the most selfless versatile players out there who had excelled in multiple positions over four years, broke records at Melissa and always gave it her all; leaving the team with no regrets. She would run through a brick wall for this team. She is feisty and ultra-competitive and will always show no fear. Kass, our ever-positive hype man, has shown so much support for her teammates even while battling injuries. They have brought everything they can this year and done a great job leading in a variety of ways."

In addition to having a stellar squad, Coach Crabtree is surrounded by an incredibly supportive community in Melissa. The community is no stranger to supporting incredible teams and they show up in tenfold for this squad. "WE HAVE HAD THE BEST FANS AND MOST FANS AT ALL GAMES," Crabtree began. "The support from our community has had a positive impact-- especially on our playoff run. Their consistent presence at every game, their loudness, and their active participation have boosted morale and made our games so much fun. At our last two series, it has been standing room only and the atmosphere has been electric-- so much fun and excitement. We are so grateful for their dedication, support, and the vital role they play in our success. Special thanks also goes to our amazing administration, who have taken exceptional care of us during long road trips in the playoffs; always thinking of what's best for these girls. Thank you for being the backbone of our journey."

While there are plenty of things to prepare for as they head to the state tournament, there are also plenty of things to look forward to. "I am most looking forward to showcasing our team's talent, making some awesome memories, and competing on the biggest stage against the best teams," said Crabtree. "It's so much fun to see our dreams become reality with great plays, great pitches, and great hits. There is so much passion and competitive spirit on this team and I can't wait for it to be unleashed. I'm also excited to show our strong individual skills of our team, particularly the power of our offense, amazing pitching, and smooth defense. The ladies will adapt to different situations that give us an edge. The combination of these strengths promises an exciting experience for everyone involved."

As the team embarks on this journey, fans can expect to see them continue to excel in all that they do. With determination, poise, and focus, the team is certain to play hard. Be sure you keep your eyes on this team not only as they head into the state tournament, but in the seasons to come!