Looking to build on last year’s four-win season, the Malibu High Sharks softball team (1-2) is looking to maintain an upbeat attitude under second-year coach Mark Cooley. Cooley joined last year and made it a goal to change team culture and outlook.
“Last year they all bought in and it changed the culture,” Cooley said.
With the team only consisting of freshmen and a few seniors last year, the Sharks are geared to grow together more as a team this year.
“We’re young. Our oldest kid is a sophomore; we have a lot of players who can play multiple positions,” Cooley said.
A big focus for Malibu this season is improving on the basic fundamentals. Cooley emphasizes making “routine plays consistently” as key to the team’s success.
The Sharks had three senior captains last year that rubbed off on the younger girls that are now the leaders of this year’s team. Athletes to watch this year include sophomores Rachel McConnel and Norris Haley, both offensive threats.
Malibu is currently off to a 1-2 start but with the season just beginning, anything can happen.
Monday they face the Archer School for Girls on the road.