Gajewski finally gave into the question.

After being asked what his expectations were for the upcoming season, he shifted the focus toward his players, telling the media members at the OSU Softball Media Day to ask them what their hopes were for the season, since they will be the ones on the field.

Then, Gajewski ceased the coach talk, and forecasted how his team may fare this upcoming season.

“Do I think that this team is really good? I do. Is this a World Series team? It is,” Gajewski said. “So now it’s up to them to figure out how they’re going to stay together, keep each other accountable and lead this team.”

This accountability began on Jan. 12, when the Cowgirls resumed practice after the winter break, where the team immensely impressed Gajewski with what he called the best return to practice out of any team he’s coached at OSU.

“We talked to them about what the expectations were,” Gajewski said on the Jan. 12 practice. “We probably have the deepest team that we’ve ever had, and people want to play.”

One of the 14 new Cowgirls this season is Rachel Becker, a standout grad transfer infielder from Purdue, known for her hitting ability. Becker made it very clear as to why she came to Stillwater– she wanted to compete at the highest level, something that has become an expectation for the Cowgirls.

“Knowing how successful they’ve been here with Coach G and watching them compete in the World Series really made me feel like that was something I wanted to be a part of,” Becker said.

Gajewski may be humble and understated about where this team could be come early-June, but his players know what they’re playing for this season, and aren’t afraid to let their projections be known.

“Not just one person, not just 25 out of the 26 girls, everyone has one mission and one goal and it’s to be a National Champion,” said Cowgirl shortstop, Kiley Naomi.