The new look for the Lady Lions won’t just be uniforms

Coaching additions are changing the way the team prepares

By John Brewington

The South County Spotlight, Mar 9, 2010

John Brewington / The Spotlight

SOFTBALL CONFAB—St. Helens varsity softball coach Jeff Edwards (left) and new assistant Erica Hancock talk practice schedules with the Lady Lions.

ADVERTISEMENTS

St. Helens High softball coach Jeff Edwards spent the offseason fretting about a way to move the Lady Lions forward this season and in coming years. He’s developed a plan and it seems to be working pretty well.

“We did not have enough people on staff,” Edwards said. “Now we have seven coaches. The purpose of that is in school ball you have to team coach. We haven’t been able to cover all the things we need to do to be successful. Now we have more one on one (coaching) and that part has been pretty successful.”

One of Edwards moves was to bring on Erica Hancock, a pitcher and third baseman, on Linfield College’s national championship team two years ago. She’s helped give the team some direction in practices.

“We’ve completely changed our practices. The (players) look the same but we have a way different look. We’re putting in a lot of hard work and doing a great job. Practices are very high intensity, very spirited and we’re getting a lot of things covered,” Edwards pointed out. “We’re taking out time. If we’re ready for the first game, we’re ready. The kids are processing a lot of things. We’ll look different on the field, and not just because of the new uniforms.”

In addition to Hancock, jayvee coach Cyndy Miller is back, Dave Sass has been added as the hitting instructor, and Tammy Beeler and Amy Albertson are motivational coaches–helping keep the kids focused. Edwards’ wife, Nancy, is also assisting again this season.

“This season is about changes and new looks,” Edwards added. “Not that we’re going to beat every team, but I feel better about this season than I did back in 1997 when we broke all records for attendance (when he was the basketball coach).”

1 | 2 Next Page >>