‘Never go alone’: Mizzou softball rolls with a new motto in 2023
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Mizzou softball team is building a new identity after graduating several seniors after the 2022 season. Head coach Larissa Anderson said her team's new motto is 'never go alone.'
"That's what they've been saying to each other. Like, if you're going to go to the field to take reps, don't go alone. If you're gonna go in for extra work, don't go alone, bring someone with you," she said. "That's really the motto that they've been together, because, again, they can't do it alone. I think that's really special that they established that. It's under our own umbrella, but they established that within the culture of the program to know that they can't do it alone."
Anderson added that this 2023 group feels more like a team. With big names like Brooke Wilmes, Kim Wert, Casidy Chaumont and more graduating in 2022, the Tigers are taking a by-committee approach to get the work done.
"We're not relying on one person to get the job done. I think that's what the difference is," Anderson said. "Brooke Wilmes, Kim Wert, you know, they were phenomenal players and sometimes when you're relying so much on one person to produce, it puts a lot of pressure on them and the players waiting for them to get the job done. We truly are a team right now."
Mizzou is 9-2 to start the season, with big upsets over then-No. 8 Northwestern and then-No. 20 UCF in the first few weeks. MU just captured the Panther Invitational Championship on Sunday afternoon in Miami, as well.
In the couple weeks of the year, Anderson said multiple players have stepped up, especially junior outfielder Alex Honnold. She already has three home runs this season.
"She is such a quiet, unassuming person and I'm so glad that she's getting the recognition that she deserves. She comes in and she is so unbelievably consistent. She has such an unbelievable eye for the ball, she does not chase the ball out of the zone. The amount of times she has walked is so unbelievably impressive," Anderson said. "Her being able to capitalize and hit the ball out of the ball park is just adding to our offensive power."
Anderson also gave props to her pitching staff, as both Jordan Weber and Laurin Krings have come a long way from stepping on campus years ago.
Up next - Mizzou will hit the road for Palm Springs, Calif. for the Mary Nutter Cathedral City Collegiate Classic. Play in that tournament will start on Thursday, Feb. 23. MU will meet Cal Poly, BYU, No. 19 Oregon State, No. 24 Oregon and Long Beach State over three days.
