The Social Circle varsity softball team had a lot to celebrate in 2013, finishing the season with 26 wins and a region title under first-year head coach Michelle Broderick.
While Social Circle may be known more for its success on the wrestling mat than the diamond, Broderick and the Redskins turned heads around the town, bringing together a community that was ready for a team to celebrate.
“The community support was wonderful,” Broderick said. “All of the people who came out to support us at our home games were amazing. There were so many people that supported us and the girls were excited because of it.”
Broderick said that the support was felt not only in the community, but by her players’ classmates and peers.
“The support went way beyond just cheering and showing up at games,” Broderick said. “The entire school was a part of it. The girls were being congratulated in the hallways and in their classrooms, and we had a pep rally.”
The Redskins’ began with a hot start, winning their first seven games, including a 9-8 victory over Newton County rival Newton.
Social Circle won its first four region games of the year against Rabun County, Greene County and Oglethorpe County, but the Redskins' magical run looked to be reverting to normal after a doubleheader loss to Jefferson in region play. The Redskins fell 3-1 and 6-1 to the Dragons, but the two losses against Jefferson turned out to be Social Circle’s only missteps in almost two months.
“Those games were tough,” Broderick said. “We had a busy start and we were excited. I still felt confident that they could do their job and play well.”
Play well they did, as the Redskins rattled off a series wins over Washington-Wilkes and Union County.
With the No. 1 playoff seed on the line in the Region 8-AA postseason tournament, the Redskins rose to the challenge, defeating Union County to reach the region championship game.
Awaiting the Redskins in the tournament finale was Jefferson, the lone region team to defeat Social Circle this season.
Broderick said that playing Jefferson again in the title game gave her team a lot of motivation.
The little extra motivation showed against the Dragons, as Social Circle defeated Jefferson 11-1 to earn the region championship.
“They were ecstatic,” Broderick said. “They were so excited and pumped. I’ve never seen them so determined.”
The region title gave the Redskins a No. 1 seed in the Georgia High School Association AA state playoffs. The Redskins hosted Greater Atlanta Christian in the first round, sweeping the Spartans 5-2 and 16-1.
Social Circle’s season ended, however, in the second round at home against Heard County. The Braves defeated the Redskins 7-0 and 5-2 in two games, but Broderick said the season was still a success for her and the Redskins.
“It was more than I could have hoped for as a first-year coach,” she said. “Everyone was positive. When one girl got down, the other girls rose up and encouraged her. It was very welcoming. I got lucky to have the group of girls I got.”
Broderick will return with a team next year that has now reached the playoffs in back-to-back years and will lose just one senior from this year’s team.
“We should have eight or so freshmen coming up to join our returners next year,” Broderick said. "It’s going to be a lot easier for them, and me, next year. I feel like I’ve got my bearings as a coach, and the girls already here have gotten to know me.
“I just want them to work on their defense and continue to work hard this offseason,” she said. “I’m confident we can go further.”
The Redskins ended the season 26-9 overall.
