The beginning of the 2020 softball season began last week as the regular season commenced.

It's a time of hope. It's a time for new beginnings. It's a time of optimism.

Dekaney High School softball is playing for all three. The Wildcats welcomed new coach Charlene Bradley a year ago and qualified for the postseason. They fell in the first round, but they were in the Dance.

They have high expectations this season with hopes of challenging for the District 16-5A title. They 'Cats, however, were dealt a tough blow as their coach announced to the captains that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and her treatments would take her out for much of the season.

She's the heartbeat of the team. She has the "juice". Bradley brings big energy and treats her girls like they are her own. She can make light on her situation on the outside, but she's putting on a brave face as her battle for her life begins now.

I had the opportunity to stop by the north Houston campus and chat with the popular coach.