Affiliation Highlight: NECC Women's Softball

(YSCC) - There are many critical components to forming a successful team. Whether it is the skills, the players, the motivation, coaches, or more, each are dire to creating the team itself.

The same goes for each team within a conference. Each plays a crucial part in developing the overall name and message for the conference. Even the affiliated members are essential because of the representation they hold. For example, Northern Essex Community College's affiliation with the Yankee Small College Conference resides at-bat with their Women's Softball team. Let's take an inning to recognize this grand-slam of a partnership.

Women's softball has been a part of NECC's athletic history since its initial development in the 80s. After being a successful program since its inaugural seasons, it could not continue with a solidified team into the 90s. It made its return in the mid-2010s, and it has been further developing ever since. Despite the strike-outs that the pandemic has caused, the softball team and program as a whole have stayed positive. The players are anxious to return to the competition. 

NECC became an affiliate member of the YSCC in the Fall of 2019. Due to the unfortunate circumstances of COVID, the competition within the affiliation has been unable to make its debut. However, there are benefits of associations beyond the competition. NECC's Athletic Director Dan Blair has shared how.

"It has allowed us to build relationships with the other YSCC schools beyond just softball," said Blair. "Allowing for scheduling in a number of other sports as well."

Simply being a part of the conference in any way is a phenomenal opportunity for any program, with the ability to schedule regional games and the chance to play in the championships. Blair also emphasized that play at a collegiate level, with a stable competitive environment, is highly valued within NECC athletics. Head Coach Haeli Campbell, Assistant Coach Rachel King, and the NECC athletic department are eager to resume full competition in 2021. As for now, the conference and its affiliation remain hopeful and continues to work on the aspects they can control. 

For more information on the NECC softball team, NECC athletics, and the plan to return to competition after the pandemic, visit the NECC athletics page. Go Knights!

Follow all the Yankee Small College Conference Social Media Accounts: YSCC Athletics on Facebook, Twitter @YSCC8, and Instagram @yankeeconference, and our YouTube channel.  

STORY BY YSCC INTERN Anna Allen