With spring weather rolling in, sports like track, baseball, and softball are starting up. For our softball team, a new season means new coaches. The coaching staff for the El Paso-Gridley Titans consists of three coaches: head coach Addie Steward, assistant coach Courtney Hinton, and assistant coach Landes Benedict.
Coach Steward played softball at U-High and then continued at the Division III level at Monmouth College. She has past coaching experience, having led a high-level travel team in Central Illinois. She believes that these experiences, “gave me a strong foundation in the game and really shaped how I approach coaching.” Coach Steward chose to coach softball because she has an attachment to the sport: “It’s always been my favorite sport, and I have a strong knowledge of the game. I enjoy helping players develop their skills and confidence.” However, she didn’t always have the confidence she needed for coaching. She stated, “I didn’t always have the most positive coaching, and it impacted my love for the game at times. Because of that, I try to be a coach who creates a positive, supportive environment where players feel confident, can grow, and actually enjoy playing.”
But what makes or breaks a team for Coach Steward? What does she look for in her players? “Team culture can make or break a team. Creating a positive environment is key to success. I want my players to feel valued and supported, and I want them to understand that failure is part of the game so they feel comfortable learning and growing from it.” She also explained, “I look for players who are coachable, motivated to improve, and great teammates. I want athletes who give full effort every time they step on the field.”
Coach Hinton looks for athletes who are driven, passionate, great teammates, and respectful. “I was raised to put it all in, so I appreciate it when I witness my athletes doing so. To me, even if someone doesn’t have all the skills, they can still be a very talented player depending on their mentality and drive to play.” Coach Hinton’s favorite part of the year so far has been getting to know her players: “Getting to know all of these girls and their personalities is really fun, mostly because they are all so unique and funny.” But with so many personalities shoved into one team, team dynamics can be hard to keep up with. “I think team dynamics can break a team, but also build it to be its strongest. This and the culture of the team are essential in keeping the team strong and on the same page.”
One of the most interesting parts of the Lady Titans team dynamic is Alexis Elliot, the starting catcher, who has been playing since T-ball. What Alexis looks for in a teammate is someone who, “knows how to have fun but also knows when it’s time to lock in and start working.” Elliot works toward being a great player by exercising her leadership skills when she needs to, and she works towards being a coachable player every day. Her greatest inspiration when it comes to softball is Tori Seggerman.
Tori Seggerman is the starting shortstop for this year of softball. She has been playing for 14 years, first joining to be like her older sisters. Tori’s favorite thing about softball is, “the connections with other people that come from playing.” When someone plays a new sport, they are met with more opportunities to meet new people and make friends with someone they might not have been able to in the past. When Tori thinks of a good team, she thinks of, “a team that executes fundamentals well and each person knows their job and makes sure to do their job. They are happy for what their teammates accomplish and have each other’s back.”
Someone who always has Tori’s back in a game is Lexi Schouweler. Lexi plays in left field but has been moved all around the outfield. She has been playing for 10 years while doing batting lessons and travel ball to work towards being a better player. In fact, her biggest inspiration for softball is her old hitting coach, Jen Kuhn. Lexi states that, “A good team to me looks like a team that has a bond on and off the field.” Before each game, Lexi tries to have the mentality of playing with confidence.
Hopefully, this softball season brings the confidence these girls need to be able to succeed. With the help of all the coaches, and the teams willingness to learn from one another, this season will turn out to be a great one.
