The Mercer Island Islanders softball team won’t be lacking for senior leadership on the diamond this spring.

“We have a core group of seniors who have been playing together forever,” Islanders’ head coach Dale Watanabe said with a smile.

Watanabe, who is in his third season as the Islanders head coach this spring, says one of his goals, year in and year out, is to develop team camaraderie and a positive attitude, something the team excelled at last year despite winning just six games. He is expecting this year’s team, let by senior co-captains Maddie Rowe and Jessica Ramseyer, to build on the teamwork of last year with an eye toward the post-season.

“I think this team will be the same way. We have four new sophomores who have never played before. That kind of says something because they’ve heard it was great to be part of this team. They are a great group of girls and are good teammates,” Watanabe said of his squad. “The goal is to always have fun and give 100 percent effort. We’re always going to focus on getting to the playoffs. There is a lot of optimism right now.”