Four eighth-grade friends—Olivia McMurphy, Lauryn White, Elly Ramirez and Jewel Beyler—stepped onto Unity Point's softball field this fall with minimal experience but maximum enthusiasm. Despite having played just T-ball briefly, backyard catch, or casual games, all four decided to join the team for their final year at Unity Point.

Their motivation wasn't athletic ambition—it was a relationship. Coach Natasha Riddle, a pre-K teacher at Unity Point, had connected with the girls through her seventh-grade daughter and their shared volleyball experiences. "We're all pretty close with her," Lauryn explains. "We played volleyball with her daughter, and she was one of the moms who came to the games and cheered us on."

This personal connection exemplifies Unity Point's approach to both education and athletics—programs built on genuine relationships rather than just skill development. "Natasha tries to actually be involved," Olivia observes. "She makes her way down to the junior high, and she actually pays attention. She spends quality time with all of her team."

The team of thirteen girls includes mostly newcomers to competitive softball. Only a few players have travel ball experience, making this largely a learning season. "We haven't won one game, but we're still trying," Lauryn admits honestly. "It's a rebuilding year for our team because so many people graduated and now there are a few new people."

Rather than viewing losses as failures, the girls embrace them as part of their growth. They're receiving substantial playing time—Olivia handles pitcher and shortstop, Lauryn covers first base, Elly plays stop and second base  and Jewel plays first base, pitcher, and center field.

Their paths to Unity Point reflect the school's diverse community. Lauryn transferred from Texas in fifth grade, initially attending Lewis School before moving to Unity Point in sixth grade. "When I first moved here from Texas, I made friends at Lewis, but it doesn't feel the same as it feels here now," she explains. "I just made more friends, had better grades and stuff. The teachers really helped me learn a lot more. The community here is better."

Olivia and Jewel represent Unity Point's continuity, having attended since pre-K. "Since we've been here our whole lives, the teachers kind of know us from either siblings or just they've met us before," Olivia notes. "They know our personality, and they know how to get along with us."

This familiarity extends throughout the building. "No matter what hallway you walk through in the school, most of the teachers know you, so they're always like, 'Hi,' or they ask us how we are," Jewel adds.

Beyond softball, all four girls participate in multiple sports. Lauryn's sixth-grade basketball team achieved remarkable success, going 21-1 and placing fourth in state. This demonstrates Unity Point's ability to compete at high levels while maintaining inclusive participation policies.

Their academic experience reinforces Unity Point's reputation for excellence. "Our school probably has one of the best academics," Lauryn states confidently. "They push us to our limits. Once we go into high school, we're probably one of the most prepared kids. What I hear from the high school, most of the students that come from Unity Point are probably some of the smartest in the high school."

The school's core values emerge clearly through their observations about community and acceptance. Unity Point actively helps students find their place, regardless of background or personality type. "No matter how quiet you are or something, somebody or some group or some teacher always helps you get out of your comfort zone," Jewel explains. "No matter what friend group you're in, there's always a place to be in this school."

This inclusive approach transforms students over time. Lauryn's personal growth exemplifies this impact: "My first year here, I didn't know what I was doing. I was just quiet. Then one of the boys came over and just started talking to me. I'm more of a listener now."

The school's approach to newcomers reflects its fundamental values. "We have a lot of people that come in during the school year, they're alone, and most of the kids just pick them up," Lauryn observes. "Everyone comes together once they come to the school."

Even when teachers occasionally "complain about us being too loud," Olivia notes with a smile, "it's just because they've helped us get comfortable at school."

As eighth graders preparing for high school, these four friends represent Unity Point's success in developing confident, well-prepared students. Their willingness to try new activities like softball, their strong academic foundation, and their understanding of community values position them well for future challenges.