CIAC Glory Days
The CIAC Glory Days podcast immerses listeners into the world of high school athletics. Explore the purpose and impact of interscholastic athletics on student-athletes as administrators, coaches, players, officials, parents, and State Athletic Association staff take listeners on a journey from tryouts to championships.
CIAC Glory Days
Glory Days Podcast S2:E8 - The Masuk Softball Dynasty 🥎🏆
CIAC Glory Days Podcast host Jada Mirabelle is joined by Masuk Softball, a Connecticut softball powerhouse! Tune in as Head Coach Leigh Barone and Division I commits Julia Bacoulis and Sofia Lieto share the secrets behind Masuk’s incredible six-year CIAC State Championship streak. Hear about the mindset, culture, and work ethic that continues to fuel their dynasty — and stick around for a rapid Q&A with Masuk’s champions! 🥎🏆
Welcome to CIAC's Glory Days podcast. I'm your host, Jada Maribel, and today I'm joined by Massic Softball, the Class L CIAC Softball Dynasty. I'm joined by head coach Lee Barone, Julia Bakoulis and Sophia Lieto. Thank you for joining me today, Thank you. Thank you so much for having us, Of course, so we're going to jump right into it. So Massic Softball program has won the last six straight CIAC Class L state titles, which is just unheard of and an awesome accomplishment. So tell us a little bit about the Massick softball program.
Speaker 2:What goes behind it and how you continue this long road of success. I think the biggest thing that goes behind it is the hard work that these girls put in, not just in the spring season but all year long, just to continue the dynasty and to continue the success of the program.
Speaker 1:Because that conditioning it goes all year. To stay prepared it's not just right before the season starts, right and to be what we've become, you have to prepare for that. You have to stay at that level and that high standard, yep. So I was looking back at the scores of the last state championship games that you guys played in and they're all shutouts. So you have quite a record with pitchers at Massick. So tell us what goes behind that that makes them stand out above the rest.
Speaker 2:I mean again that's just another big all-year commitment making sure you're putting in the work in the offseason, you know, challenging yourself throughout, you know summer ball, fall ball and just always striving to be better, which they have continued to do. I think also, too, just the start of that pitching dynasty has kind of created that whole concept of I want to be that for my team and I think it's just even starting with Rachel Fico, tatum Buckley, before my days and when they were little. They look up to those people as role models and they want to be that for their team.
Speaker 1:That's true. It's a good representation of the program and what you want to strive to be, so, coach. What mindset and core values do you try to incorporate within the softball program at Massick?
Speaker 2:I definitely have the champion mindset. We believe we can and I think that's why we do. I have a few quotes that we have every day. How you do anything is how you do everything, um, and also, you know, just being really good teammates and being there for everybody.
Speaker 1:That positive culture makes a big difference. And that's a good quote, because it is the little things that all add up. Little things.
Speaker 2:They know that when they want to get their reps they have to take their reps seriously, because what you do in practice kind of correlates to what you do in games seriously, because what you do in practice kind of correlates to what you do in games.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, yeah, that's a great mindset to have. So, julia and Sophia, you've both committed to Division I colleges, so congratulations, thank you. You've committed to Florida Gulf Coast University and your Providence College. Oh, that's exciting. All right, so tell me a little bit about what played the biggest role in helping you both achieve those Division I commitments.
Speaker 4:I think a big part of it was just consistency throughout everything For me. I go to the gym every day, so going to the gym being consistent with lessons and just practicing in general, and then, more recently, just knowing what to eat and just eating healthier that makes a big difference.
Speaker 1:You have that hard work and that routine.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yeah, I'd also say consistency, and also being a part of this massive dynasty has also helped tremendously, because I feel like this program has put a lot of great players before me into like amazing D1 programs and by recognizing that, it showed me that like, if I'm able to play for this program, I can also play for a D1 program, like they did. So it's helped me work harder and like make that dream become a reality.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. That's a great way to look at it. And were there any specific moments throughout your master careers that you think stood out to college recruiters?
Speaker 4:I think, just in general, winning. I think like not only is it what we've done from like when we've been here, but I think also, knowing the people who've been through this program and just knowing that we've been winning so much, they're kind of just like okay, well, we know that this team has been winning, we know that they have like a good culture together, so I think that's been a good part of it too.
Speaker 3:Yeah, the amount of state championship appearances we've made the SWc championship appearances also, like last year's swc championship against newtown. That's also a huge attraction, I feel like, because a lot of media caught that and you know we were, that was a huge game. So I also think that by like from the media, um, catching those big games uh, gives a lot of traction to us and makes them come to our accounts as well yeah, so that's the big thing now is social media getting eyes on you as an athlete especially heading into college.
Speaker 1:So having that good program and all that media on you definitely helps. So we kind of touched on that a little bit already, with you talking about your workout routine and your nutrition. But were there any specific training habits that you implemented for your four years that really changed the trajectory.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I'd say consistency. I mean um working out aside from working on your softball craft and, like the most important thing for me is um giving 110 effort in everything I do, whether that's calisthenics or hitting off a tee or giving everyday ground balls. I mean, like doing those small things. It makes you one percent better every day, so it's not just, like, you know, hitting 80 miles per hour off of a pitching machine. Those little things are most important it all adds up.
Speaker 4:Yeah, no, I agree.
Speaker 1:The same thing for me so it seems like you guys learned hard work ethic throughout gymnastics, softball, which is a big thing for life and college. So, coach, what do you think these successful past seasons not only say about the athletes on your team, but the type of coach you are? I always say, built different.
Speaker 2:I think that our athletes are very different in the sense that they're students of the game and I think being students of the game helps them know positions and know a lot of different positions a lot better. So they're able to fill a lot of gaps that we need in the moment and become the athlete that we need to be for the team. I know Sophia is an example of one of them. She came in as a freshman, her older sister was playing center field and we had two seniors but we had some gaps to fill and offensively she did really well, so we were able to find her a spot and, you know, she became our starting second baseman as a freshman. So just because she knows the game so well, she was able to fill spots that we needed in that moment.
Speaker 1:That's a big role and it helps. You're playing for the team. That's nice that you said that.
Speaker 4:No one's being selfish. You're being selfless out there.
Speaker 1:That's nice. So when you joined as a coach, the program of like took a change and it's really went up. I mean, you've won every year since. So what do you think has made you such an impactful coach?
Speaker 2:I think that I've learned to trust my players and then they'll trust me. I know how smart and how intelligent they are and how much they know about their game, and I think just being able to support them, give them confidence and then also strategizing for game to game has made them be super successful do you guys watch a lot of? Film how do you prepare?
Speaker 1:for we.
Speaker 2:I watch a lot of film um, and then when we go into games, I know that they also watch film. They know a lot of people that we're going up against, oh, I'm sure, and you know, they're big names in Connecticut, so they do a lot of their own research as well. You know, we just talk about game to game. What do we need to do this game in order to be successful?
Speaker 1:Yes, yeah, because it is different depending on who you're facing. Yeah, so for the season, what games do you think will be the biggest challenges, and which ones are you most looking forward to?
Speaker 2:I think that you know we're in the SWC right now and I think it's becoming a big powerhouse lately. We have Newtown who's always you know they're our rival, so they'll always give us the best game New Milford, brookfields, and these are teams that have made it deep into state tournaments for their classes as well. But we always try to schedule harder non-conference games as well to kind of prepare us for those moments where it's really going to matter. I know last year we were in a lot of games where they were close and we were able to persevere and come out with the win. So I think that teaches the lesson of we can, and so just to be able to see them either be down or be tied and come back gives them a lot of faith moving forward for that state championship.
Speaker 1:Definitely yeah, when it comes to playoff time. You know, oh, I've already been here.
Speaker 2:I've already dealt with these tough games. Yeah, they don't get as nervous because they've been there.
Speaker 1:That's smart to get that out throughout the regular season as well. Yeah, so is there any moments in your softball journey that really challenged you, and how did you overcome them?
Speaker 4:Well, honestly, right now, I feel like for me, like we've had this conversation before, but like I'm feeling a lot of pressure and like I'm very good under pressure, like when we're in game times but I think, looking at my season last year, I feel like I did really well. And I think, looking at my season last year, I feel like I did really well. And so I'm putting so much pressure on myself to live up to that and like I think for me, it's just making sure I'm communicating with my coaches and just letting them know how I feel, just so I can have open communication with them and so that they know where I'm at, and I think just making sure I'm honest with them instead of just trying to kind of cover it up.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it sounds like you have a great support system there, so it's always great to lean on it, and you can only do your best when you're out there. Yeah, there's no pressure from last year. You can just go out there and do your best.
Speaker 2:And I know it's nice because I know, you know, they rely on their teammates a lot, which is great, and you know, I think we have a big team this year and I think to have more people to rely on is just going to be that much more helpful for them Definitely, especially throughout those moments.
Speaker 3:For me, I'd say, coming in as a freshman, my primaries were outfield and first base. As Coach said, I had to play second base, which definitely wasn't a position I've ever played before, but I definitely wanted to be on the field with all the amazing players, and so I had to adjust because, from playing playing travel, I was an outfielder as well, so it was a pretty quick transition, um, so I had to learn that position pretty quickly, but I was willing to do that, so I think that was definitely a challenge.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that would be challenging. How did you pick it up? Was there anyone you looked at for?
Speaker 3:uh, actually for my travel program. Um, I played second base a little bit, um, so that helped me a little bit. And being able to watch, like uh, people before me, like Hannah Guerrero she was on my travel team, she's at Michigan State now um, she was always like my role model. I kind of watched her at second base because she was always smooth over there. So I kind of took what I saw from her and tried to apply it in my game that's a good athlete to learn from.
Speaker 2:Definitely. And I just remember their first game coming in as freshmen. She was the shortstop and then she was the second baseman and, you know, played tough competition. I just remember her diving for a ball at the middle and then flipping it out of her glove to Julia for an out.
Speaker 1:I was like yeah, that's how you do it.
Speaker 3:Yeah, she's definitely an athlete yeah she's got it that's cool.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I always see those with like highlight reels when they, yeah, you can't make them up no, they're really cool yeah and as a freshman, to do that without even really playing the position, it's just yeah, you know she did it for her team and you know, not only just did it, but excelled at it shows you might be a natural at that position it might be where you're supposed to be so how has being an athlete shaped who you are off the field as well?
Speaker 4:I think it's definitely helped me with, like, my mental toughness and, I think, just communication, being able to work with different people. I mean, here at Mastic, I feel like it's pretty easy just because a lot of us have grown up together or play on the same travel team. It's pretty easy just because a lot of us have grown up together or play on the same travel team. But I think for travel it's more of meeting new people, learning how they play and just being able to communicate with them.
Speaker 3:I'd say time management and discipline are two big things I've learned, I've taken from softball into the real world, especially with homework and everything and studying.
Speaker 2:You would have to have some good time management. How?
Speaker 1:about you. What have you taken from softball coaching and playing?
Speaker 2:I learn new things every day from all my players too, and just how to adjust to different personalities. I think is one of the biggest things. Some people, you know, need me to be a little bit tougher on them, where some people need me just as a confidence booster sometimes too, but they've taught me so much about the game. They've made me want to become better for them every day, and they're just so fun to watch at this level.
Speaker 1:Every day is probably different. Every player is different too, depending on how you have to coach them. So that would be exciting. So what makes the team culture so special at Masek?
Speaker 2:I think we just consider ourselves one big family. We all have a common goal and that's to continue with the success of the program. So I think just having that goal together and working hard for it every day just kind of bonds you together. You have a special bond.
Speaker 1:When you have that close-knit relationship it makes it more fun too when you're out there. You always play better when you're having fun.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and then we have upperclassmen that have already been through the moment. So it's a big buy-in culture where the upperclassmen want it for themselves as well, but for their teammates, and then their teammates want it not just for them, but for the seniors and the upperclassmen as well as a whole for the team.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so how does the team approach building team chemistry prior to the season, throughout the season? I know every team has something a little bit different I would say it's more.
Speaker 2:You know it's. It's a lot of off season too. You know they see each other in school every day. They know who they play with every day, and a lot of them play together in travel ball as well, so that makes the dynamic just that much easier to kind of move into the spring season. So I think that definitely helps our team chemistry, with them playing with each other almost all year round. And then you know they all have the common goal and they know to get better they have to put in the work not just on the field but off the field as well. So I think they also have that common goal and they build their relationship that way as well.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a great answer. And do you guys do like pasta parties or things like that? Yeah, I think those are always fun.
Speaker 4:Those are always bar washes.
Speaker 2:Pasta parties bar washes, bar washes.
Speaker 4:Okay, donut mornings, egg sandwich morning yeah, we had donuts before one practice okay you're getting fueled up.
Speaker 1:You had to get a little food in your sugar.
Speaker 2:That's a traditional holiday stuff like our easter egg hunt, our easter egg toss. We always have a water balloon.
Speaker 1:Fight you know really, yeah, that's fun what is an easter egg toss just? It's just an egg toss basically oh okay, an egg toss you decorate them before you toss them. No, oh, it's awesome yeah and hanging out like that always. Yeah, it's fun off the field too. Yeah, it takes away the pressure as well too. Makes it lighter, definitely. So how do you balance academics and athletics? Because that's our focus here at CIC is education-based athletics.
Speaker 4:So um, well, right now I feel like as a senior it's kind of easier because I just have a lighter schedule, but I think as a junior, like that for me was my busiest year. So I think just putting school first whether it was having to leave practice maybe a little bit early because I had to get a project done, or just staying after school and getting extra help or using a free period to study but just prioritizing school and I think that comes before anything that would really help throughout college as well, yeah, yeah, I definitely agree with that.
Speaker 3:I mean academics over athletics. Um, I've always been taught that, like, athletics are the next four years, while academics can be the next 40. So being able to um that's very important to manage, and my sister's also at Penn State right now and she's going through that. She's told me that it gets tougher in college. So being able to prepare yourself for that beforehand is most important.
Speaker 1:That's smart. Yeah, because sometimes when you get there freshman year you're like, ooh, it's a little bit different than high school.
Speaker 2:That was me at least. A lot more independence too.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you have to learn time management, but it seems like you guys are already practicing it, so that's great. So what do you all love most about being a part of this team?
Speaker 3:I mean I love being able to play with all my best friends, like I love the atmosphere, I mean every time every girl on the team like they're always ready to work hard at practice, always ready to work hard before a game, so it's awesome to be able to be surrounded by people who want to be better instead of you know, and we each hold each other accountable, which I think is very important, and we each, like we, have the best relationship.
Speaker 4:So yeah, I agree, I think we all have the same mindset, like coach said, like we all want to win again, and I think, especially, we have six seniors, which is a lot of them, so I think just having a ton of upperclassmen who have like the same mindset, um, like Sophia said, we're all so close and even off the field, because I know that like a lot of the time some people are close on the field and they don't really talk like outside of softball, but for us I feel like we are always just talking, like we all will go out to dinner together or we'll just like talk in a group, chat together, because we just enjoy talking to each other. So I don't know, I think it's just like the relationship that we all have.
Speaker 2:That makes a huge difference. It's really it's fun to watch too. It's even the freshmen that have come in have grown to really even just over a couple of weeks, to really like, admire our upperclassmen and really, you know, want to put the work in for them, and also, you know they can learn a lot from them and it's so nice to see and also you know they can learn a lot from them and it's so nice to see that was.
Speaker 1:my next question was how would you two lead by example but it seems like you do a good job already if the freshmen are already starting to model after you?
Speaker 4:guys. Yeah, I feel like communication is definitely a big thing, just making sure that everyone's on the same page with each other. I think, just talking to them, making sure that they understand situations, um preparing them mentally for, like the season, to know and understand that they need to be putting in a ton of hard work and it's not only, it's not just massive wins, it's we are putting in the hard work to win um and then also showing that by stepping up on the field and off the field yeah, that's great.
Speaker 1:that's great to portray and a really strong message it doesn't come easy.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I definitely agree with that. I mean making sure they know what their job is, and also that you're leading by example so they can have a role model for themselves to follow.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I feel like players and kids always learn best by when someone leads by example. It's not always sometimes the vocal that goes through.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I think that the work that they've put in is just a big part of leading by example. It doesn't come easy. You really have to put that hard work and you've got to be dedicated in order to be successful.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely, and that's all throughout life as well.
Speaker 2:And there's going to be adversity along the way, but it's how you deal with the adversity yep, it's how you get through it.
Speaker 1:Definitely so as the class l girl softball powerhouse. If you had to share a piece of advice to fellow athletes and coaches, what would it be?
Speaker 4:um, for me, I feel like it would just be like be okay with like kind of like missing out on things, almost like. For me, it's like school events, like I wasn't always able to go to like the homecomings or anything, but I was able to do like play the sport that I love, and I honestly, for me, it was never anything that was bad because I was doing something that I enjoyed, but also like being able to spend time with my best friends while playing.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I tell people that to make sure that they know that failure doesn't define them. Um, softball is a sport of failure and you have to understand that it's okay to fail sometimes and you know, sometimes feeling is good. Um, it helps you, it teaches you things, makes you better as a athlete and a person.
Speaker 1:So yeah, it's very true. It's a good mindset. Yeah, and that's why they are so successful. Yeah, you just keep going after some failures. So if you were to choose one motto or mantra for the season, what would it be?
Speaker 2:I mean we're just getting into it.
Speaker 1:I know we're at the beginning, it's tough Before it started.
Speaker 2:I do think a lot of things that we do is our motto of how you do. Anything is how you do everything.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I really like that quote.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I've never heard that, about that before, and you know it's from very someone very special to all of our hearts, um, who left that with us. And you know, I think it's just the little things that you do. You have to realize like that's going to translate to anything else, and whether it's your school, your academics, um, how, how you treat people. It should be something that you think about all the time.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's all one, it's a whole picture.
Speaker 2:Yeah, everything adds up. It's not just the softball aspect, it's the life aspect.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's great. So now we're going to head into some rapid fire questions. So these are a surprise, oh jeez. So it's just the first thing that comes to your mind.
Speaker 2:That's the answer.
Speaker 1:All right, okay, julia, favorite pitch, uh change up gosh that was easy, yeah, okay, sofia, what is one thing in your bat?
Speaker 4:bag that may surprise people. Oh gosh um shoot I don't even know it's in my bat bag.
Speaker 1:You gotta entertain yourself when you're stuck. Yeah, yeah, coach. One word to describe your team amazing, good one. Really.
Speaker 4:A pre-game ritual, oh, that's a good one um, I listen to spanish music on my way, on my way to practice. Um, I usually eat a protein bar beforehand. Okay, and also, my grandparents passed away, so I usually go to the cemetery and do like a prayer and then I'll go to my games.
Speaker 1:That's nice, that's a nice pre-game ritual. So, sophia, what would your walk-up song be? Um, my girl take after uh lindor on the meds it's got some meaning behind it, coach any team traditions besides the ones we talked about before.
Speaker 2:But oh man, we have a quote of the day. Every time we go into a game I give them a solid quote to kind of, you know, get them pumped and just get really focused in the moment.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's nice. Is it like in the pregame speech? You give the quote out?
Speaker 2:Yeah, oh cool, Especially in big games.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that can make a big impact. Julia favorite part of game day.
Speaker 4:Oh, my hair, your hair, yeah.
Speaker 1:Do you switch it off or do you do the?
Speaker 4:same. I usually do the same thing. Sometimes I'll do like two braids into like bubbles, or usually for like SWCs and states. I always just do bubbles, that's like the thing.
Speaker 1:Now it has to be the same thing. Yeah, it's bubbles. Yeah, I see that I can't do it in my hair. Yeah, I love them.
Speaker 4:Yeah, um, just, learning from different players every day. Julia, standout moment in your career so far? Um, I would have to say, my game tying grand slam against newtown in the.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a good one in the moment, julia was like I'm gonna go up to the plate and I'm just gonna hit the ball hard. That's good, she definitely hit the ball hard.
Speaker 4:That's it.
Speaker 2:That's good.
Speaker 4:She definitely hit the ball hard. Good start and.
Speaker 2:I remember saying that exact same thing, like in the moment, when asked questions about it.
Speaker 1:So you knew when you were going to go up there. You just had your mindset.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I had to clear my head though, because I feel like it was such a big moment where I was like, okay, just want runs across, and so she definitely put the runs across.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they got new it too.
Speaker 3:They were all like oh, julie's gonna hit a home run. Yeah, it was, she did it, it was just an in the moment thing.
Speaker 2:I think we all had this feeling of like okay, base is loaded, like this is our opportunity right now. And I know that she in the moment was even thinking like just hit the ball to the outfield you score at least two runs and then you just get the momentum going into our favor, but off the bat, I think we all knew that. That was just gone.
Speaker 1:It's a yeah, that's a big play, yeah, game changer I'm just gonna put it lightly, yeah sophia seeds are gum in the dugout, gum gum. Okay, coach, favorite drill run oof.
Speaker 2:I always love a good bunting game. Not sure if they do, but I do.
Speaker 4:No, we love it.
Speaker 2:We get competitive, but we love it, we love it like games are really hard with us because we all have the same goal, but when it comes to like making teams, it's. They get so competitive. I'm like you're the same team, you guys are on the same team in the grand scheme of it, and then they just like throw some shade at each other and I'm like after it's all good though it's all good a couple minutes and it's all yeah gotta keep each other on your toes.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, julia music or silence during pregame. I know we already talked to you.
Speaker 4:Listen spanish music that's like oh my, that's like the drive, the drive. So like it's kind of like my intro when I'm driving. But like beforehand, like I don't know, because sometimes it's like country music because of the nice weather, but then sometimes it's just like hardcore rap.
Speaker 1:Okay, Depends on the day.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it really is. I'm not going to lie I love the Spanish music because she was a Spanish student of mine in seventh and eighth grade.
Speaker 4:Oh nice.
Speaker 1:Yeah, she's a good student Translated.
Speaker 4:I guess.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, I'm okay with it.
Speaker 1:Okay, Sophia, favorite athlete Lindor.
Speaker 3:The Mets.
Speaker 1:I should have known that From her walk-up song. Yeah, apparently, coach, best advice you've ever received.
Speaker 2:Ooh, this is tough, Best advice I've ever received. Just be confident in decisions, and I think you know they've worked for a while, so just be confident, yeah that's good, okay.
Speaker 1:So, lastly, we always like to wrap up on the glory days podcast by asking what do you think the purpose of high school sports is?
Speaker 4:um, I would say to have fun and to meet new people, because I feel like for most high school sports, I mean, I feel like for us it's a little bit different because a majority of the girls on our team play, travel and are looking to play in college or are playing in college. But I feel like just getting to meet new people and have fun, trying something new, I'd say camaraderie.
Speaker 3:I mean for us all. The girls I play with I've been playing with them since I was little. I don't really get that in travel. Also, the girls I play with I've been playing with them since I was little.
Speaker 2:I don't really get that in travel um also being able to play with my sisters is another thing in high school.
Speaker 3:I don't do that in travel either.
Speaker 2:So it's special. Yeah, it's really awesome. Yeah, she's playing with her younger sister now. Last year played well. For the past couple years played with her older sister awesome and then her older sister also went through the program. So I think it's just you know in town and just you know, knowing people that have gone through the program, you already know what the expectations are, um, and they're willing to do what they can do to reach those expectations it sounds like a strong sense of community and massive with the softball program like a lot of people in town, are very like you know.
Speaker 2:They see the hard work that these girls put in to do what they have done and to accomplish what they have all accomplished and it's definitely celebrated, which you know makes them feel special for what they do, because what they do isn't easy no, definitely not definitely putting in all of the hard work that they can and so for it to be celebrated and just little things like marching in parades and you know, and then it also brings the younger girls to see them and really idolize and have them as their role models and want to be that moving forward as well, and it helps build them to wanting to come to the master program it's always nice to feel appreciated for your hard work throughout the years.
Speaker 1:Yeah, all right. Well, thank you guys. You guys did awesome. I wish you the best of luck in this season. I hope you're able to come out with a seventh p thank you.
Speaker 4:That might be the first thank you.