Hard Hat Area: Softball Expansion Going Up
A Preseason Look
New head softball coach, James Manu, is enjoying the process. He is enjoying it because he knows it is necessary and it is the first step – building that foundation. What makes it even more enjoyable is the fact that the team is coming together. “They’ve looked great! We have a couple of positions we still need to shore up, but they work hard. I’m very happy with what we have accomplished thus far.” When building that foundation, it has to be strong in order to withstand the adverse elements that constantly try and compromise and erode what has been built. Coach Manu does not worry about that. He knows the incremental steps they have taken are sound, and more importantly, he knows it starts with the players, and they are buying in. “We tell them to trust the process and be kind to yourself. Mistakes happen. Everyone has to learn to move forward when they happen. But the attitudes are great!”
New head softball coach, James Manu, is enjoying the process. He is enjoying it because he knows it is necessary and it is the first step – building that foundation. What makes it even more enjoyable is the fact that the team is coming together. “They’ve looked great! We have a couple of positions we still need to shore up, but they work hard. I’m very happy with what we have accomplished thus far.” When building that foundation, it has to be strong in order to withstand the adverse elements that constantly try and compromise and erode what has been built. Coach Manu does not worry about that. He knows the incremental steps they have taken are sound, and more importantly, he knows it starts with the players, and they are buying in. “We tell them to trust the process and be kind to yourself. Mistakes happen. Everyone has to learn to move forward when they happen. But the attitudes are great!”
It helps when you have committed and knowledgeable assistants that can help with the heavy lifting. Coach Manu has just that in Assistant Coaches Drenda Rivera and Kalie Tofya. According to Coach, they both bring a lot to the table. They both played the game at a high level in high school and college, and according to Coach Manu, “they know their stuff.” Coach further added, “they know how to relate to the girls. More importantly, Coach Drenda and Coach Tofya are my eye and ears in the dugout which helps keep us all on the same page.” Certainly, that is an important criteria necessary when building a strong footing.
When all is said and done, coaches coach, but it’s the players who have to get it done on the field. In that light, how have the players responded as pieces have been laid in this building process. “Morgan Stewart, she’s our anchor. Just her ability and knowledge of the game. Alena Martinez and Avery Walters have looked great and are big contributors. Cory Abbott, a solid outfielder for us, and she does well at the plate. Bayla Slucki, she’s going to do well for four years – can’t wait to see her in a few years. Caddy Hurtado is strong at first base. All the girls are fun to work with, and the seniors are doing a great job.” Well, Rome was not built in a day, but it appears this project is well on its way with the right contractors, use of the best materials, and all adhering to using only the best building specs available .
TEAM ROSTER
Abbott, Asha ‘Cory 10
Bemier, Avery 9
Cecenas, Fatima 9
Fresquez, Roslyn 9
Gonzales, Araya 10
Hurtado, Caddy 11
Marosy, Jordan 9
Martinez, Alia 12
Martinez, Alena 10
Oates, Avery 10
Stewart, Morgan 11
Slucki, Bayla 9
Walters, Avery 12
Watson, Aoife 9
SEASON SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 Mullen vs. Lewis Palmer Home 3:30 PM
Aug. 19 Mullen vs. Thomas Jefferson Home 10:00 AM
Aug. 22 Mullen @ Monarch Away 4:30 PM
Aug. 24 Mullen @ Cheyenne Mt. Away 4:30 PM
Aug. 26 Mullen vs. Regis Jesuit Home 10:00 AM
Aug. 29 Mullen vs. Standley Lake Home 4:30 PM
Aug. 30 Mullen vs. Green Mt. Home 4:30 PM
Sept. 1 Mullen @ Thornton Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 2 Mullen @ Longmont Away 11:00 AM
Sept. 5 Mullen @ Cherry Creek Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 7 Mullen vs. Grandview Home 4:30 PM
Sept. 8 Mullen @ The Academy Away 3:30 PM
Sept. 13 Mullen @ Arapahoe Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 15 Mullen @ Cherokee Trail Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 20 Mullen @ Smoky Hill Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 23 Mullen vs. Cherry Creek Home 11:00 AM
Sept. 26 Mullen @ Grandview Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 28 Mullen @ Eaglecrest Away 4:30 PM
Sept. 30 Mullen vs. Arapahoe Home 11:00 AM
Oct. 2 Mullen vs. Cherokee Trail Home 4:30 PM
Oct 5 Mullen vs. Eaglecrest Home 4:30 PM
Oct 7 Mullen vs. Smoky Hill Home 11:00 PM
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