There is one word that can be used to describe the 2009 Varsity softball squad: dedicated.
After finishing 6-10 in Flint Metro League Conference last season, it was time for a change at the coaching position.
Out went Sue Roeher, and in came former head Volleyball Coach Kristi McDevitt. She is looking to bring a new perspective and a fresh attitude to the team this year.
The first thing that she noticed about the team is how dedicated they are, which is lead by their Junior captains Corrine Luxton, Allie Laidlaw and Chelsea Kessler.
‘That kind of dedication to the sport is impressive,? McDevitt said, referring to her captains. ‘They love softball, they love drills. They set the tone and the other girls on the team want the same. We have a bunch of hard-nosed girls who are dedicated and ready to come to practice every day.?
One of those girls is Senior Sarah Kessler, who returns as the only senior starter from last year’s team. One of the goals that the team set for the season is to be able to be one of the top teams in the league.
‘We want to keep moving up and improving and win a lot,? Coach McDevitt said. ‘We want to be the top one or two in the division and then go on and win districts and advance to regionals. This is totally attainable with the dedicated group of girls that we have.?
Working with Coach McDevitt is co-coach Dana Nowacki, and assistant coaches Adam Millard and Dana Nowacki.
‘I have two really good assistant coaches who make practice fun and exciting. They participate in the drills with each girl, and the girls enjoy having the coaches out there because it makes it fun and they see that even coaches make mistakes,? she said.
‘We are a strong defensive team,? said McDevitt. ‘One thing we are going to have to work on is our offense and making contact with the ball.?
It has been difficult working on the offense so far because of the weather. ‘It doesn’t feel good to make contact when your hands shake after because it’s so cold,? McDevitt said.
She concluded by saying everyone is looking foreword to the year, and hopes that lots of people will come out and see the team play.
‘I hope to provide a fun environment for the girls to thrive in,? McDevitt said. ‘I want to emphasize that we all are one team. I want to try and change the culture of the team to one that supports each other,? she said.