Co-Captain Emerson Buckley ’25 has played softball since she was five, has been a part of the Andover Girls Softball team all four years at Andover, and has been a captain for two years. Buckley displays great prowess and knowledge on the field, leading the team with helpful advice and understanding of the game.
Throughout the years, the Girls Softball team has been tight-knit, which Buckley has especially enjoyed. Buckley commented on her experience with the team and her closeness with her teammates.
“I’ve had a great experience with Andover Softball throughout my four years. We’ve always been a close team, and in my captainship, that’s something I wanted to prioritize and continue to maintain. I’ve met my closest friends through the team,” said Buckley.
Buckley also mentioned connecting with the underclassmen, which is one of her favorite parts of being a captain.
Buckley said, “I have enjoyed connecting with the younger grades. I’ve gotten close with the freshmen this year and last year. I find a lot of joy in helping them navigate both Andover and Andover Softball. Helping these new students find their footing is something I enjoy.”
Buckley has a true sense of the game from all positions and supports everyone on the field. Sydney Moore ’28 commented on her knowledge of the game and leadership abilities.
“Field smart. She has a sense for everything that’s happening on the field. An amazing leader, 100%, and very supportive and uplifting of everyone,” said Moore.
Buckley is widely regarded by her teammates as someone they can rely on and someone who will lift up the team. Mila Fan ’28 described Buckley’s presence on the field and her dependability.
“Her reliability and presence. She has a very steady and calm presence on the field. You know you can always rely on her. Every time we get down, she’s always there to remind us that we are here to win, and that we can win. Even if we’re leading by a large margin, she reminds us to never lose focus. That’s what makes her such a great leader. We know we can always count on her for everything, and she holds us accountable as a team,” said Fan.
Buckley helps her teammates improve by giving constructive, specific feedback that supports them and brings out their best. Moore commented on Buckley’s attitude and how she always helps her learn from mistakes.
Moore said, “Emerson is one of those people who’s always upbeat. Even if she’s not playing well, she’ll encourage everyone else. She is amazingly helpful. She gives little tips on everything. If I miss a ball, she’ll be able to know what I did wrong and help me out, so I can do better next time. She’s always a positive person on the field, and she knows exactly what to say to people.”
A team that is together plays better: something Buckley is aware of as she leads the softball team. Buckley commented on her approach as a captain and her goal of having a close team.
“I try to instill confidence in everyone. That’s something I’ve tried to do this season, and also making sure they’re not focused on bigger things. When we’re playing games, we take everything one step at a time. This small-step approach simplifies the game and releases pressure, so that’s something I tried to do. Another goal is to make sure we’re a really close team, which has come pretty easily, all of us get along really well, so that has been easy,” Said Buckley.
Buckley’s hope to instill confidence in the players was successful; the team is confident in its play and has confidence in her. Fan commented on Buckley’s approachability and her experience.
“She’s open to everyone, and her first instinct is always to be nice, not to judge. Emerson having experience and skill has helped. She’s an infielder, and I’m an outfielder, so I’m not with her all the time, but her ability to build others up and lead by example, has stood out to me,” said Fan.
