The Hamilton Southeastern Royals softball team had an outstanding 2024-2025 spring season. With a record of 17-8, they battled in every game until the final out. On May 26, 2025, they suffered a heartbreaking 9-4 loss to the Noblesville Millers in the first round of sectionals. The Royals finished 4-3 in conference play. Head coach Emily Pusti has lead the team for the past two seasons.

“We’ve been doing a lot of offseason stuff just to get the girls ready whether it’s softball related, or team bonding,” Pusti said. Pusti likes to show the girls that they aren’t defined by the sport. Even with high expectations of winning another state championship this season, she reminds the team that softball is something they love to do, not something that defines who they are.

During the 2023-2024 season, they finished the season with a record of 25-4. the Royals won the IHSAA 4A Softball Championship on June 7, 2024 at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium, defeating the New Palestine Dragons 2-1. Although they hoped to repeat that success last season, it unfortunately did not happen. Since winning the state title, the Royals have become a bigger target to their opponents. This season, they are looking to accomplish what did they two seasons ago. After graduating 12 seniors 2 seasons ago, the team is still continuing to rebuild but remains committed to working hard and returning to the state championship.

During the 2024-2025 season, as a junior, Addison Richmond led the team with a .390 batting average, a .425 on base percentage, and a total of four home runs, helping power the Royals to many victories. As a Junior, pitcher Grace Swedarsky recorded 197 strikeouts during the season, excelling in the circle.

“My relationship with the players is a pretty positive one. They know when it’s time to work hard and get serious,” Pusti says. “They know when it’s practice time and game time, it’s go time.”