Like all other Mountaineers fall sports, the women's softball team heads into the 2021-2022 season with a new coaching staff. Head coaches Erin Forman and Logan White have built a new culture around the team and will look to rebuild a program that has just one OCAA medal in the past ten years, a bronze in 2017-2018.
The pair found success south of the border during their college careers and have carried that success into their coaching careers. They have a strong connection in Ontario's softball community which has allowed them retool the team with some talented athletes.
Without a single player returning from the 2019-2020 roster, the coaching staff has been preaching teamwork and unity early on.
"After our first couple tryouts, the dynamic of the team is looking really good! I think the most important trait to have within a team is teamwork, and after only a couple tryouts, we are really starting to 'click' and work as a team," says Kerri Smith, a first-year pitcher from Hagersville. "I have no doubt that this will lead us to success in our upcoming season!"
The revised 18-game season will consist of three games against each team in the league. The top six will make it to the OCAA Tournament with the top two seeds receiving first-round byes.
With no returning athletes, coach Forman says there's several recruits they'll look towards to lead this team throughout the season.
"Michaela Walker will be our leader behind the plate. We will look to her to lead our team defensively on the diamond and bring a strong offensive presence. Katie Ross has shown tremendous leadership skills through taking on team related responsibilities and we expect her to be a vocal leader this season, not only on the diamond but in all aspects of our team," says Forman.
"Kacie Harrison brings a wealth of experience as a former decorated club ball player and will be leaned on to lead our younger players, as well as bring some speed on the bases. Both Emma Harker and Kerri Smith lead through their play. Kerri will likely carry a lot of time on the mound and Emma is a little fire cracker on the diamond. We expect both to have phenomenal seasons as Mountaineers. Olivia Thompson will also lead us from the mound, but we expect to see a lot from her offensively, as well," added Forman.
The team has goals of making the OCAA Tournament but more importantly, the coaching staff is looking to set the tone for the program going forward. They're looking to build a culture the athletes are proud to be apart of while representing Mohawk.
The new look softball team hits the diamond for the first time this coming Saturday as they travel to St. Catharines for a doubleheader against the Brock Badgers. Game times are noon and 2:00 p.m. at Lancaster Park.
The OCAA season opener comes on Saturday, September 18th as the Mountaineers take on the Fanshawe Falcons and St. Clair Saints in London, Ontario.
