Last year the team dedicated the Season to Bri Hetrick, a recent player who was tragically killed in Fall of 2023 due to partner violence . She was a multi-year captain and emotional leader. Always smiling, giving her best and willing to do anything without hesitancy. She was one of those people that always made you feel like her best friend and was always there to lift your spirits, as you can see in many of the posted pictures.
As a coach, my goal is not necessarily to teach the game of softball, but to use it as a vehicle to teach confidence, challenge player skill limits, ensure comfort with failure- knowing you can bounce back stronger and handle those mental demons that undermine self confidence. Softball is well suited to this as a team sport with individuals always spotlighted and then having extra time to assess themselves, feeling all eyes are passing judgement. I also want to teach the sisterhood of teammates, that you are always there to pick up, support and mentor your “family”
We have always had and will continue to have discussions about self confidence, inner voices and recognizing how personal insecurities get triggered.
In memory of Bri, the team has developed an annual award in her name for the player that most embodies her spirit and is most supportive of her teammates.
A Memorial was held at JGP on May 12thm 2024 for Bri. We developed the i Bri Hetrick Memorial Trophy to be given to the player most exhibiting the Culture of a Mariner Softball Player and also planted a tree beyond the 
Left field fence that will be visible on every at-bat.