Team of the Year 2024 – Powermill Wiley 16U Softball Team

This season for Powermill Wiley 16U, representing the Florida State University School, was a season marked by growth, resilience, and a new level of unity. In their second year together, the team showed remarkable improvement, finishing with a strong 22-10 record. The Powermill Wiley 16U squad came into their own, showcasing not just talent, but the ability to work as a cohesive team, all while playing with one goal in mind: to win.

A Year of Improvement and Consistency

The season for Powermill Wiley 16U was a clear step forward after their first year together. As a team, they were able to communicate more effectively and play with greater focus. The team’s commitment to improving and growing together was evident in every game they played.

In previous seasons, Powermill tended to start slow in tournaments and find their rhythm later on. But this year was different. The team approached each game with a renewed sense of purpose and focus. Even when they lost, often by just one or two runs, the team was able to remain positive and learn from the close games. Their final 22-10 record was a reflection of their growth.

A Defining Moment: The Comeback Victory

While the entire season was full of important moments, one particular game stood out as the defining moment of the year. Early on in the season, Powermill found themselves down 6-0 in the third inning of a game. Instead of folding under the pressure, they mounted a remarkable comeback. The team scored seven unanswered runs, with the game culminating in a walk-off single by Layna Pohto. The victory was a powerful demonstration of the team’s resilience and determined attitudes.

That comeback win served as a turning point for the team. It wasn’t just about the win itself, it was the way they came together and fought back from a tough situation. The walk-off single by Layna Pohto was the perfect ending to a game that proved the team was capable of handling adversity. The victory was a moment the team would look back on as proof that they were built differently from previous seasons.

Humor and Camaraderie: The Heart of the Team

Though the team’s on-field performance was impressive, it was their camaraderie and ability to stay lighthearted during the heat of competition that truly set them apart. One such moment occurred when pitcher Shyla Wiley was dominating on the mound. After one particularly wild swing by an opposing batter, the batter was overheard telling her coach, “The ball is rising.” The team found this comment hilarious and shared a laugh during the game.

This humorous moment was more than just a joke; it reflected the close-knit nature of the team. Even in the middle of intense competition, the players were able to stay relaxed, keep their focus, and enjoy the game. These moments of joy helped strengthen their bond and success on the field.

Looking Ahead: Bigger Goals and Continued Growth

As the season concluded, the team was already looking ahead to the next chapter. With the confidence built over the season, the Powermill Wiley 16U team is eager to challenge themselves against tougher competition in the future. They recognize that their growth over the past season was just the beginning, and they are determined to continue improving.

One of the team’s key goals is to test themselves against better competition. They know that facing tougher opponents will help them gauge how good they are and allow them to continue developing as a team.The team also remains committed to its core values, which focus on consistency over perfection. Instead of striving for unattainable perfection, they prioritize showing up every day and putting in the consistent effort needed to improve. 

A Team United by One Goal

What truly defines Powermill Wiley 16U is their ability to come together as a team. Through their ups and downs, their focus on teamwork and mutual support never wavered. Whether it was the thrill of a comeback win or the lighthearted moments between innings, the team’s bond was evident in everything they did. They know that their greatest strength lies in their ability to work together toward one goal.

As they look ahead to the challenges of the upcoming season, Powermill Wiley 16U is excited about the future. They know that the growth they experienced this year has laid a strong foundation, and they are ready to continue building on it. With their sights set on bigger goals, and a commitment to consistency, this team is poised for even greater success in the seasons to come.