By Marisa Dawson, Photos courtesy of Amanda Jochum

The Bennington Elite 12U softball team capped off an impressive summer by bringing home the Class C State Championship last weekend in Hastings, finishing the season with a 36-11 record.

The championship was the culmination of months of hard work, a demanding tournament schedule and a season filled with experiences that prepared the team for its biggest moment.

According to head coach Paul Hammes, the team’s success was built long before the season began.

“Their commitment and consistency in softball is a grind; the girls practice nine months of the year and play most of the season within three months,” Hammes said. “As a team we challenge the girls with making the boring elite and to be hungry and humble. Which they have taken to heart and ready to go when they show up at the field whether it is for practice or a game.”

Rather than playing local league games, Bennington Elite challenged itself by competing exclusively in tournaments throughout the season against high-level competition.

Hammes and Assistant Coach Amanda Jochum both agreed one of the defining moments came during a trip to Oklahoma City during the Women’s College World Series, where the team finished runner-up in the “Road to the Show” Silver Bracket while facing some of the nation’s top teams.

“The biggest moment as coaches where we knew the team had championship potential was how they competed in Oklahoma City in the ‘Road to the Show,’ finishing second,” Hammes said. “They played eight games in three days against some of the best teams in the country from MO, OK, TX. Including having to win four games on Monday to make it to the championship game in 110 degree heat.”

The championship game itself became another learning experience.

“The Championship game showed the girls true resiliency against a national team from Houston, TX taking them all the way to extra innings before eventually falling at 11:30pm,” Hammes said. “Once we got back from Oklahoma the girls knew they could compete in any environment the rest of the year.”

The trip provided more than just competitive experience. The players also attended Women’s College World Series games, including a Nebraska contest, while creating lasting memories away from the field.

“Off the field was just as impactful as they became closer as a team creating lifelong memories through team bonding events and the ability to attend a couple WCWS including a Nebraska game motivated the girls even more,” Hammes said.

Just one week before capturing the Class C state championship, Bennington Elite finished runner-up at the USSSA Class B State Tournament, another event that tested the team’s resolve.

Rather than dwelling on the loss, the players used it as motivation.

“Finishing second was a great accomplishment, and the girls knew if they came out and played with that same confidence the next weekend in Hastings, they would have a chance to achieve their goal of winning the Class C state title,” Hammes said.

Throughout the season, Hammes saw the team’s confidence steadily grow.

“The biggest area of growth from the girls has been their confidence and ability to compete against anybody which they proved this year both locally and nationally,” he said.

That confidence ultimately paid off in Hastings, where Bennington Elite achieved the goal it had been chasing all season.

“It has meant a lot for these girls to represent Bennington,” Hammes said. “The parent and family support has been amazing and we would not be able to do it without them which made winning state so special to be able to celebrate with everyone.”

While the championship trophy will always be part of the team’s legacy, Hammes hopes the players remember something even greater.

“The biggest thing as coaches we want the girls to take away beyond the trophy is for them to be proud of the hard work they put in, the friendships they have developed with each other, and confidence that as they continue to get older they can accomplish their goals and dreams.”