I
know that the coaching staff went into this season thinking that last year
would be difficult, if not impossible, to match. Not in terms of wins and
losses, so much, although that task was daunting enough, but in terms of team
chemistry and cohesion. While every team is unique, of course, the sophomores
of this year modeled the sophomores of our 17 squad (who, in turn, had the
models from 16 to follow) and built a team that was, day in and day out, a
pleasure to coach and work with. Oh, and we won 20 games again, so that was
cool, too. As always, your players were blessed with an incredible group of
coaches, including the varsity and Orange; thanks, also, to Coach Collins for
his support of the program on all three levels. I especially want to thank
Coach Cerutti, Coach Knapp, and our spirit guide, Coach Wylie, for making this
job such a pleasure. I’ll remember these seasons after they stick me in the
home for retired coaches.
Many
of this year’s freshmen will have the responsibility to continue that
leadership trend in 2019. And let’s just say we are confident that they can
live up to those expectations from their coaches. We’ll be announcing some of
the individual awards as we wander through our roster, but all of those were
close votes with at least 3 contenders for each. I think that speaks well of
both the depth of our squad and the respect the girls have for their teammates.
•
Emmy Gary had a solid rookie year, splitting time between 1B and the OF and we’re
looking forward to seeing her grow as a player. Emmy has made the commitment to up her game with a strong team for the spring and summer and the coaches are looking forward to seeing how much an already strong player improves.
•
Our Rookie of the Year was our third baseman, Myah King, who set a couple
records, including most HRs in a season (6, including 5 that cleared the fence;
that number also ties the JV career record set by Anna Whelan in her two JV
years, and not coincidentally, intentional walks, also 6).
•
Fortunately for us, that intentional walk strategy was frequently foiled by our
catcher, Nora Marcinkiewicz, who thanks to all those runners Myah wasn’t
allowed to drive in, lead our team in RBI with 38 in our 22 games. But Nora
also did a great job of field leadership, working not only with our pitchers but
our entire team.
•
Our OF defense was anchored by Venus (Flytrap) Moran in CF. Alyssa was a
one-woman Web Gem show and taught me not to mark the scorecard too soon lest I
have to scratch out the hit and mark in an “8.” Oh, and she hit .550 with 7
triples.
•
Our own José Oquendo (except she hit better) was Taylor Smith who can, and
frequently did, play everywhere. That flexibility was crucial when we were
bitten by the injury bug. The question, “Well, now who’s going to play that
position” always involved Taylor, whose bat also grew stronger as the season
progressed as she hit over .500 and averaged an OBP of 67%.
•
Finally, Zoe Weik kind of got cheated out of her freshman season by an
Astroturf hop at Fox that put her on concussion protocol and out with cracked
eye orbit. Remember that the next time you roll your eyes at an OF with a mask.
Bad hops happen, and not just on turf. Right Noel? Fortunately for Zoe and us
she was able to return in time for the Hancock Tournament and share in our 5th
consecutive first-place trophy.
Which
brings us to our third straight group of amazing sophomores who, every year,
take a group of girls and help them bond into a team. Two years ago Julia and
AP were a key part of that core. Last year it was Maya, Megan, JP, Rebekah and
Noel. This year it was….
•
Lydia Beggs who played some third, first and DP in addition to her leadership
role. Like her sophomore teammates, she modeled playing the game the right way,
working hard all the time, (and overtime) and putting her team – and teammates
– first. She also hit .350, not too shabby.
•
Caitlyn, Speed Racer, Boyle took on the challenge of joining the team as a
sophomore and coming back from an injury at the same time. As injuries mounted
her role expanded and her skills increased as she developed into an accomplished
slapper/bunter and hustling defender in RF. Coach Cerutti, Coach Wylie, and I
marveled at how she was able to back up throws from an IF BEFORE it hit the
fence! Oh, in addition to batting over .600, she also set the JV record for SBs
with 39.
•
My girl Friday, (Taylor Graning) who has gamely put up with my penchant for
creating nicknames, also saw her role expand as the season progressed and
finished the season as our regular 2B, where she made only 3 errors and had a
fielding % of about .950. She also clearly demonstrated that she understands
the concept of team and lent both her softball and leadership skills to JV
Orange on numerous occasions when they were short-handed.
•
It speaks to the depth of our team that TK, Taylor Knapp (we had enough tailors
to open our own shop) was not a unanimous choice for team MVP. But she clearly
WAS the choice as she wrote her name in the JV Statesmen record books, setting
the standard for wins in a season (17) and a career (28), eclipsing Olivia
Collins’s marks. TK’s love for the game and her teammates were just as valuable
as her skills in the circle. I often quote Douglas Adams’s admonition from HGTG,
“Don’t Panic,” and TK’s calmness in the circle embodies that and keeps the
wheels from coming off.
•
Nic Rikand saw her role change this year and I can’t tell you (well, obviously
I can and now will) how much respect she earned from the coaching staff. With
her fellow sophomores she was not just a great teammate, but a great leader, no
matter where she was playing in the field. She took charge and helped keep us
focused, game after game, and gave us 100% effort, every inning, every AB.
•
Finally we come to our last sophomore leader, Sarah “Sockeye” Sammon. Leadership
is never an easy task, because true leaders lead with actions, not just words
(although words do matter). It’s easier, of course, when you’re in the
limelight or always on the field. It’s much more of a challenge when you could
be (rightfully) frustrated by a limited role, when you want to be doing more
than you’re too often given the chance to do. That is so hard, and so
important, that over a decade ago we even created what I think is our most
important award, originally named for Jennifer Matthews and Casey Murphey, to
honor that kind of leadership. The players who have earned this award have all
gone on to success and I am as proud of each of them as any players I have ever
coached. Congratulations, Sarah, on joining that admirable and exclusive sorority.
