Photo: trssoftball on Instagram
1. Why did I choose to coach Softball?
I played sports growing up. I went to Glassboro State College (Rowan University) and knowing that my playing days were going to be no longer, I wanted to get involved in coaching. During my student teaching experience the softball coach asked if I would want to volunteer coaching softball. The rest is history.
2. What are the team strengths?
This team is very special, the team strengths are not only their ability off the field, but how they conduct themselves off it. Our on the field strengths is our pitching and defense and our understanding of the game and running the bases. Off the field, our strength is how well we get along as a team, and genuinely root for each teammate's success even at the detriment of affecting their playing time. A very rare thing.
3. What makes playing coaching softball enjoyable?
My playing days are way past me, but what I enjoyed the most about playing was the competition, especially in the big games. Coaching wise, I enjoy the games, but I really enjoy the practices and seeing the improvement from the beginning of the year to the end. I think at times I enjoy practice more than the games.
4. What have been the highlights of the season?
We have had a few so far, and hopefully still more to come. I always think team stuff, so recently winning the Ocean County Title against Southern definitely is on the top of the list. Others were beating Jackson Twice, once in the O.C.T. semi-finals 1-0 in 10 innings. “Ruling the River” Sweeping the season over rivals North and East was special.
5. Why did you choose this year’s captains?
These girls have been captains for a few years. When looking at captains, I feel it is most important that they would be players that inspire players to do things the right way instead of demand. I feel these girls have fit that role, and hopefully set a standard for the next group of leaders for this program.
6. What can student athletes do to improve overall?
That is a great question. I have a few things that I feel would help improve an athlete's success. Play multiple sports. Be involved in as many competitive situations as possible. I feel developing a strength training program is very helpful. Put some time in your sport in the off-season. Be coachable!! The last thing may be the most important, develop a great work ethic, learn to listen and be respectful. This is something you can’t turn on and off when it suits you.
7. In your opinion what has been the best year for softball at South?
Sometimes it is not always measured by wins and losses. The 70’s and 80’s teams had some great success. I have been fortunate to have had a few good years with some great players, and this year’s group is going to challenge for being the best.
8. Has there been any player that stood out this year?
In order for you to have success, (Wins over losses) you are going to need a lot of players to step up at different points in the season. This team is no different. So for this question, I could mention everyone. I will add though, we have had some great individual games. Janelle Blaszka broke a school record for strike-outs in a game with 19 against Lacey and also threw her second career no-hitter to win the Ocean County Tournament against Southern.
9. What would you like to say to this year’s seniors?
I make it a point, at least I hope I do, to communicate with the players. Saying this, every year it is sad to see seniors go, who have been part of the program for 4 years. I will say this group will be one of my favorites and not because of their success on the field. They just are a special bunch, who have totally bought into what we are trying to accomplish and have made practice fun for us coaches, but more importantly for every girl in the program. On a side note, I like to thank the seniors for having us coaches show off our gymnastics skills after each of our wins!
10. What is my favorite position to play in softball?
I don’t play, so I am going to say waving someone home from the 3rd base coaching box.
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