The season didn't end how the UT Permian Basin softball team wanted to last year. However, none of that matters as the past is the past and this year's team has been hard at work this fall. 

Last season didn't end the way the UT Permian Basin softball team envisioned, but they're not dwelling on the past. This year's squad is focused, putting in the work to make sure the upcoming season tells a different story. 

"I think things are going very well, the girls seem to be excited and hungry to be out there on the field," said Head Softball Coach AubreeAna Avila-Oropeza. "I think we are building our team chemistry, which will help our play on the field. When you have girls that want to work and be out there it makes a big difference." 

Avila-Oropeza took over the program in August, after serving as the assistant coach at Midland College since February 2021, where she focused on pitching and recruitment.  

So far during the fall, the Falcons have played in a few scrimmages and have given coach Avila-Oropeza confidence that the team will be competing at the Lone Star Conference level. 

"We have some pitching this year that I think will up our game and then we have hitters to back it up, which is huge," said coach Avila-Oropeza. "We are going to keep working to tweak and tune the little things, but we are ready to play more games in the fall." 

During the off season, the Falcons have been practicing g in the early mornings, balancing team sessions with individual practices to ensure each player is getting the one-on-one time they need. They have also been doing conditioning at least twice a week during their practice times. 

"We will not be out worked," said coach Avila-Oropeza. 

While the regular season is still a ways off, coach Avila-Oropeza has already set expectations for the team. 

"My expectations for the team this year are to go out there and have fun every game. Be a great teammate whether you are on the bench or on the field," We need to build up our confidence and love for the game. When we have fun, we play hard, and wins will come." 

Coach Avila-Oropeza also mentioned that her short-term goals for the spring are to get the team prepared and work towards winning each day.  

"If we win each day then we get a little better and everyone is working in the same direction, towards the same goal," said coach Avila-Oropeza. "That means getting 1% better at practice and in the classroom."  

As far as long-term goals, coach Avila-Oropeza wants to build this program to new heights and get UTPB softball out there. She and the team are working towards making the Lone Star Conference tournament one game at a time, one win at a time, one year at a time. 

"We are extremely excited to get started this spring season and show everyone how hard we have been working in the fall and what a little bit of change can do. These girls are hungry and ready to play with all they have. We will leave it all on the field," said coach Avila-Oropeza. "I am just ready to get out there and show what these girls have. What UTPB Softball is and can be."