89 strike outs, 43 innings pitched, 10 complete games, and only 6 earned runs; these aren’t statistics to be expected  of any high school softball player, much less a freshman. But, to be fair, freshman Raime Cohen does anything but fail to surpass expectations.

In her first year on the CHS softball team, Cohen has been vital to pulling the team out of a several season long slump.

“She’s really young and we haven’t had anything like her before,” senior catcher Taylor Gold said. “It’s been an eye-opener. She’s really helped us this year and it was so unexpected after having the past three losing seasons. It’s made a complete turn around.”

Cohen’s pitching has proved to be a strong point on the dominating team, helping to decimate the offense of any opponent.

“Pitching is 80 percent of the game and when she’s in the circle, she’s a dominant pitcher,” head softball Coach Bill Schmalz said.

This level of talent at such a young age does not come on its own, however. Cohen has put in years of work both in and out of season at the select level to cultivate her skills.

In addition to amplifying her natural talent to a level that rivals that of the most experienced high school pitchers, Cohen’s outside dedication has primed her to take on a role of huge responsibility.

“Select experience in any sport allows an athlete to play more games and play more games under pressure so it becomes a natural evolution to play a regular game without getting nervous,” Schmalz said.

Besides her outside work, Cohen attributes her success to the level of support she has received from her coaches and teammates.

“Practicing a lot and having Coach Schmalz as a coach has really helped us to be successful,” Cohen said. “Coach Schmalz and the girls are so supportive to me. It’s easy to do well with people who support you and when you’re having a lot of fun.”

As a key contributor to the team’s overwhelming success, Cohen is an automatic team leader. Though some might crumble under the weight of this role, especially as the youngest on the team, Cohen picks it up with ease.

“She leads by her actions,” Gold said. “She’s always trying her best, working as hard as she can, and playing well. She never slacks. She’s always pitching her best.”

As demonstrated time and again this season, Cohen’s best is more than enough to secure the team a winning record. The team isn’t settling for that small victory, however, when a much bigger prize lays in sight.

“Raime’s main job right now is to help us get to state,” sophomore player Stephanie Langendoerfer said.

If Cohen’s impressive pitching and the momentum of the season continues, the team might just give state a run for its money.