The softball team will hold their annual golf tournament fundraiser at Twin Creeks Country Club on Nov. 16 in order to raise money for scholarships and field equipment.

Another goal of the fundraiser is to bring more attention to female athletes.

“In this day and age, the male athlete still gets more recognition and notoriety, in my opinion, than the female athlete,” tournament director Mr. Mark Short said.

According to girls’ softball coach Ms. Jennifer Scazzero, there is a variety of levels of sponsorships to fit whatever the individual or organization is comfortable with donating.

“We accept sponsorships from families, businesses, schools, church, individuals; absolutely anyone who will donate to the program,” Short said.

Those interested in becoming a sponsor or donating towards the fundraiser can talk to the softball girls, Mr. Short, or the coaches, Ms. Tiffany Gates and Ms. Scazzero.

“You can become a sponsor by talking to anyone in the Westwood softball program,” Ms. Scazzero said. “They can get you the information.”

Coaches and team players also play an important role in the fundraiser. Team members are expected to gather sponsors or donate something to the silent auction.

“A couple of years ago, my mom made two big stained-glass pieces for the silent auctions,” Ms. Scazzero said.

The softball team also helps out by thanking the sponsors, doing small jobs, and presenting awards.

“We are so grateful to all the people who have attended the tournament and helped us buy the equipment in order to win championships,” player Alex Reece ‘18 said.

Although the tournament is a great help in providing equipment for the team, scholarship money is the top priority.

“The main goal is to raise money that goes back to the graduating senior athletes in the form of a college scholarship, within a set amount of money,” Short said. “The secondary goal is to make improvements to and help the softball program with their field improvements, equipment needs or travel needs each year.”

The fundraiser started about a decade ago when Mr. Short’s daughter played for Ms. Gates and he proposed a golf tournament to pay to move the softball program to California.

“I’m proud to say that in the previous eight years of my involvement as the person responsible for putting on this fundraiser tournament, we have put back into the softball program over $160,000,” Mr. Short said.