Despite growing efforts to make softball a spring sport, Iowa continues to be the only state in the country to hold high school baseball and softball during the summer. Despite the absolute minority, rumors have circulated within the last few years that the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Sports Association, the girls and boys unions respectively, may be making a motion to move the season to the spring.
The IGHSAU sanctioned softball in 1957. Since then, some states have come and gone, but Iowa has remained the only state to hold the softball season through the summer and the duration of schools’ summer break. Iowa, being one of the only states with separate athletic unions for boys and girls, makes it even more unique that both softball and baseball are held in the summer.
Supporters of school-sponsored summer athletics argue that it reduces sport overlap for multisport athletes between spring sports and softball and baseball. “Being involved in both track and softball is already challenging as it is. We have those few weeks between when softball starts and track ends where we are expected to attend both practices, and that alone makes me understand why it would be so challenging to have both sports in the same season. I am incredibly grateful we have them separated, even if it means softball takes up a little bit more of my time, because I don’t think I would be able to balance both in the same season,” said track and field and softball athlete Ashley Hansen.
Unlike many assume, though, holding the season over the summer can actually put more pressure on athletes and their schedules. Some athletes argue involvement in a summer sport can be far more physically and mentally demanding than that of sports not held over the extended break. “I am involved in softball, basketball and track and field and I can hands down say softball is the most physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Since we don’t have any school everything takes up more time, which over the course of a season adds up to be incredibly draining in every aspect,” Hansen added.
On the other hand, the additional demands softball and baseball places on athletes can be extremely beneficial for their development- not only as athletes, but also as individuals. “I do believe that having summer softball/baseball and the extended time available for practices, lifts, and tournaments can push athletes to become their best selves, both physically and mentally. One of the greatest advantages is that our athletes are able to fully focus on the game without the demands of school, homework, and other academic responsibilities. This allows us to train more consistently and intentionally, with longer practices, strength training, and tournament play that help build endurance, sharpen skills, and foster team chemistry. It also gives athletes the chance to commit to their development without the typical distractions of a school-year schedule.
At the same time, the summer season brings its own mental hurdles. Staying mentally locked in requires a higher level of personal discipline and intrinsic motivation. But in many ways, that’s what makes this season so powerful. When an athlete chooses to give up part of their summer for their team and their goals, it shows real dedication. That commitment builds not only better players, but more resilient young people,” head softball coach Amanda Hughes said.
In terms of potentially moving the season to the spring, there would be the benefit of softball and baseball athletes having more of a traditional “break” over the summer. But the benefits of moving the season to the spring may not outweigh the cons of less involvement for multisport athletes, weather unpredictability and ultimately the grit and perseverance a summer sport demands.
Although Iowa is unique in holding high school softball and baseball over the summer, it may be for the betterment of athletes. With speculation of a potential move of seasons over the past couple of years, athletes and coaches alike argue losing the summer season may not be optimal for athlete success.
