Greenhills Softball Rebuilds with Grit, Growth, Joy

Rebuilding a varsity sports program takes heart, patience, and a whole lot of hustle, and the Greenhills girls softball team has all three. Now in the second year of its restart, the team is laying a strong foundation, fueled by enthusiasm, determination, and a love of the game. Ask head coach Caitlyn O’Neal how things are going, and she lights up.

“Softball is so much fun,” she said with a grin. “I love this team. I love these players. There’s so much enthusiasm, so much excitement. We’re playing more games, and we’re really starting to get the hang of being part of a team.”

Greenhills softball is still in the early innings of its comeback story. Last season, the Gryphons played just two games and at times had only eight players on the field. This spring, they’ve suited up 10—a small but mighty roster that includes several athletes who never played softball before joining the team.

“There’s been tremendous growth,” said O’Neal. “Our wins don’t show how much we’ve improved, but the difference is night and day. This year, we have returners who remember what we covered last year. We’re learning the game, building softball IQ, and most importantly, learning what it means to be a good teammate.”

That growth has been hard-earned. The Gryphons have faced tough opponents with veteran rosters and decades of team history. And yet, the Greenhills players continue to show up—eager, resilient, and increasingly competitive. Against Redford Union, they scored a season-high 14 runs while playing competitively on defense.

“It was so rewarding to see them hit, score, and play a really solid game,” O’Neal says. “They’re making the plays we’ve been practicing, and that’s what matters.”

The roster is young: two freshmen, a core of sophomores, and four seniors, including team captain Haley Flohr. Flohr has led with quiet confidence and respect, setting the tone for a team committed to mutual support and shared progress. Each practice and game ends with a “shout-out” session, where players recognize teammates for small victories like running through first base, making a solid throw, or sticking with a tough at-bat.

“It’s powerful when another teammate sees you and acknowledges what you’ve done,” says O’Neal. “That’s how we reframe winning. We celebrate the little things because those little things are everything right now.”

Even on rainy days, the team finds joy. One recent practice turned into a sliding drill on the grass that was equal parts skill-building and slip-and-slide stress relief. There’s laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose that transcends the scoreboard.

“There’s a lot to learn, and we only have hours—literally hours—of experience,” O’Neal says. “But this group is making the most of it. They’re playing hard, playing together, and having fun. I’m having a blast, and I think they are too.”

As the season progresses, the Gryphons are focused less on their record and more on their foundation. They are building a program, not just for this year but for the future of Greenhills softball. And from the looks of it, they’re off to a strong, spirited start.