A coach might be worried about the state of her team if it didn't have leadership from seniors, but Emory & Henry softball coach Kristen Diamond knows that members of her young team will step into leadership roles and be effective.
"Some will be asked to be quick learners and step up to lead us to a successful season,” Diamond said.
With the exception of catcher Megan Evans, the Wasps return all players from last year along with 15 new players, including 14 first-year students. Along with the new athletes, a new pitching coach, Ashley White, joins the program.
"I think I finally have the missing piece to the puzzle that I have needed to turn the corner for this softball program,” Diamond said.
Finishing 4-14 (1-25 ODAC) last season, Diamond looks to improve the record of her softball team. The good news is that team members will begin early to work together, and as they mature together, they will win more and more games,” Diamond said.
The team expects to face challenges during 2010 season. To meet them, they will rely on team chemistry and the benefits of a rigorous fall and winter workout shedule.
And, in spite of the anticipated challenges, Coach Diamond has her mind on taking Emory & Henry's softball program back to the top of the ODAC. "Emory &Henry softball has been very successful in the past, and I just want to see that success come back," Diamond said. "I think you’ll see that top-notch student athletes will come to Emory & Henry because this institution has a lot to offer and along with that, this softball program has a lot to offer."
Story by James Hairston