MIDVALE, UT- As the spring sports season begins at Hillcrest High School, the baseball team is getting ready for a new year with new goals and a new coach.
Junior player Luis Bethers said the team wants to take a big step forward this year. My goals? probably having at least 10 wins,” Luis said.” I am trying to improve my pitching and learning a new throw.”
Last season was a tough one for the Hillcrest baseball team. Luis said the team’s record was around “2-28” but he believes this season will be different. “I’m feeling pretty good,” Luis said.” We got a new coach, and the new coach is pretty good. He sees a lot in us, and we see a lot in him.
Luis also has some personal goals he wants to reach the season. One of the biggest focuses for him is improving his pitching speed. “Trying to get my fastball from like 78 to maybe 80 or 82,” Luis said.” I’m also trying Third Base this year, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Fatima spent the preseason working hard to prepare for the upcoming games. Luis said a lot of that time has been spent improving skills on the field. “Probably pitching the most,”Luis said.” pitching and batting for sure.”
Hillcrest’s new head coach also said the team has been putting in a lot of effort over the past few months. He believes that work the players have put in could lead to an exciting season. “Our goals heading into the 2026 season are really about growing as a team,” the coach said.” We want to be better competitors on the field. If we come out and compete along with working hard during practice, the season could be exciting.”
Another big focus for the team this year’s chemistry. Luis said the group has become more connected compared to last season.”Been pretty good,” Luis said.” Now everybody talks to everyone, you know so it’s pretty good.”
The coach agreed that the team culture has been one of the biggest positives so far. “The team chemistry has been incredible.” The coach said.” Each guy supports the other guys on the team and that is a win for our culture. “
The team is also focused on proving defensively. According to the coach, strong defense will play major role in helping the team stay competitive in games. ”we’ve been working hard on our defensive skills,” the coach said. “ If we can field a baseball, make good throws. We can get off the field and keep runners scoring.”
One of the first big trips for the team will be traveling to St. George to play several games. Louise said the team is excited for the opportunity, but knows they will have to stay focused. “ We’re playing some pretty good teams,” Luis said. “ But I think we’ve got it.”
For the Hillcrest baseball team, the goal this year is not just about winning games. The Players and coaches say they are also trying to build a strong culture for the future.
“I told the players that being What teammates and changing the culture they’re building a legacy for the future of Hillcrest baseball,” the coach said.
