Redmond Softball Finds Its Sweet Spot: Talent, Chemistry, and Success
A close-knit team of seasoned seniors and rising stars are leading the Mustangs during another successful season.
REDMOND, Wash. – There’s something special happening at Redmond this season. It’s more than wins (the Mustangs have a lot of them) or stats (hint: they’re impressive) – it’s that rare combination of senior leadership, young talent, chemistry, connection, and an understanding of the success the program has built over the years.
“We play really well together, because we know each other really well,” said senior catcher Regan Hendrickson. “There’s a lot of fight, a lot of grit in this team, because we play every game until the last out.”
The Mustangs know what it takes to win, because they’ve been doing just that since Little League. Hendrickson and fellow senior Aubrey Bauer played for Redmond West Little League and were members of the Mustangs’ state title team in 2022.
Younger standouts – sophomores Ainsley Barcalow and Maggie Enich, and junior Kati Cygan – were all part of the Redmond West team that played in the Junior League Softball World Series the same year Redmond’s seniors were winning a state title as freshmen.
“I have so many memories I’ve shared with them, and I’ve known them since I was really little,” said Barcalow, a pitcher who is currently 9-0 with a 2.38 ERA and a .553 batting average. “If I’m having a bad game, they all know what they need to tell me in order to get better.”
That deep familiarity shows on and off the field.
“It’s honestly just really beautiful,” said Cygan, who’s hitting .395 with five doubles and two home runs. “We’ve played with almost all these girls. Just seeing the growth in myself and all of these girls – especially the younger girls – has been a really full-circle moment. Seeing everyone step up in leadership positions has been special.”
Redmond’s softball program has long been a source of elite talent, dating all the way back to Washington Huskies head coach Heather Tarr’s playing days. Over the years, the Mustangs have built more than just a winning tradition – they’ve built a family.
“I feel like we’re all connected throughout the whole team,” said Bauer, who has a .333 batting average. “There’s no one left out, and even off the field, we share so many laughs together. We’ve even shed some tears, but that’s what makes our bond so special, it’s because we’ve grown so close.”
With an 11-2-1 record, Redmond has the makings of a state-title contender. Still, Hendrickson is quick to keep things in perspective.
“We haven’t won anything yet,” she said. “This team has a lot of opportunity, a lot of potential.”
As her high school career winds down, Hendrickson admits one of the hardest parts is knowing she won’t get to see this group grow together beyond this season.
For the younger players, though, this year’s experience is already leaving a lasting impression, one rooted in joy, camaraderie, and gratitude.
“That’s pretty much what this game is about,” said Enich, who leads the team with 10 stolen bases. “Having fun, being with your friends, and doing what you love.”
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