The Ropes Lady Eagles held their summer softball camp this past Tuesday and Wednesday.
The camp was open to students from all surrounding districts for incoming firstthrough- fifth graders from 10 a.m. to noon, while sixthto- ninth graders attended from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Ropes softball coach Joey Ybarra, said that this year there was a larger number of participants than the previous year, as the 2025 to 2026 season was the first year for Ropes softball.
“We had a lot more participation this year. I think the word got out, all the kids had fun last year, and they just told their friends about it. We had a lot of kids from other towns too, like Lubbock, Shallowater, Levelland,” Ybarra said.
During the camp, athletes focused on hitting, base running, fielding, throwing, and catching with the help of current Ropes softball players.
One Ropes parent said that her daughter, Melody, just wanted to try out softball. When she saw the flyer, she decided to sign her up for the camp with the local high school athletes.
“I think it's a good thing that the older girls are being involved because the little ones look up to them, as well as helping them get better at softball,” Amy said.
Coach Ybarra noted another reason he likes to hold this camp is for the high school team to gain a different perspective, by being a coach to the little ones.
“I thought that was really huge for them, to not just have fun with the kids, but also see themselves through these kid’s eyes. Usually, a lot of times it helps them grow personally,” said Ybarra.
The camp ended with a water slide for the young players to cool off, as temperatures were reaching near 100 degrees.