It's Just the Beginning...

for four of you! I have really enjoyed getting to know my senior gals this year. They are a great bunch of girls! They are smart and witty... I know they will go far in life!!! I hate the way the season ended for them... but overall they had a great year!

Click Here to see photos from our last game!:(

Quote for the day:Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war. -Donald Trump

-Tournament Time-

Well, the end is here- We just completed an awesome season- with 19 wins!!! I am so proud of the efforts, improvements, and growth that I have seen the gals make on and off the field. I am going to miss the seniors next year... they are an interesting group of kids that always brighten the moments of darkness.

Hannah #25- Is a heart player! She gives everything, everytime she runs onto the field. No matter what position or what spot in the batting line-up... she encourages others and supports her team. Our team will dearly miss her positive attitude and ability to pick us up when things start to fall apart at the seams. I wish her the best in her life and hope to watch her play ball at the college level.

Kacey #22- Is hilarious! It never fails, not matter the situation she always has something hilarious to say. As the coach, there were a lot of times I wanted to laugh and enjoy her craziness, but had to be the mature adult!!! Kacey was a big bat for the team this year. She had a role, and she performed... Her bunting abilities are amazing- she can put the ball 2 foot out from the plate everytime- She had a lot of SACs for the team this year- Kacey, I will miss you!

Nicole #13- Is the quiet one. She doesn't really say too much & is extremely hard on herself. She has worked hard at 2nd base this year assisting in more the 35 put outs. I am very proud of her and appreciate her hardwork and effort.

Courtney #4- Hmmm.... What to say? Pack is VERY VERY VERY HARD on herself. (too hard) She is the kind of kid that you make mad of purpose, because she performs better when she is mad- She has the "I'll show you" attitude. She is an excellent outfielder, and was pulled into 2nd base for a few games and looked like an all-star- and did it without a complaint!

I will miss you all!!!! Good Luck in all you do!

Rememeber it not over, til' it's over- And we still have a long way to go... if you want to!

Quote for the day: Smile and the world will smile back at you!

Keep on Rollin'....

Our team has grown up so much in the past month- You are maturing into a team that cares! (Given, we have our moments of youth that truely SHINE through)- We have been playing good, clean, honest softball- A true team effort. Keep of the good work- We had an awesome win over at Unioto- A good win against Chillicothe---- Let's make it a triple tonight at home!!!

Keep it Up!

Quote of the Day:"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill." Mahummad Ali

That's The Way... Uh Huh... I Like It!

Way the go ladies! A 100% team effort. Hannah threw the ball well lastnight, but it takes more than that to win ball games- and you went the extra mile. We got our bats out early in the game- We applied ourselves and worked a step ahead in the mental part of the game. Way to work! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Keep it up! Big game tonight- come mentally prepared & really to kick some butt!

Quote for the day:Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested.

Are you interested? PROVE IT!

Back on Track...

I hope! We played an OK game lastnight- But not the best you can do! We need to keep working and improving on the little things. The little mistakes all add up to big mistakes.
Shella pitched a great game lastnight- No walks!!! Equally as important- We played defense behind her- I seen EVERYONE supporting each other- which makes for a great team effort! Holly, Shella, Calli, and Hannah did a good job getting on base! We need to apply the base running skills that you have been taught! We spent a lot of time on those- and they WILL be applied. Lastly... Remember that you are given signals for a reason- Do as you are told. It will benefit us all in the long run!
Keep it up ladies! We need to make those small improvements for a big return tonight at home! Let's keep improving our game and our record- I am proud of you gals!

Quote for the Day:" You have to be able to center yourself, to let all of your emotions go. Don't ever forget that you play with your soul as well as your body."Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

believe. believe. believe.

Tonight At Adena

Sometimes things don't go your way- But don't make excuses- Make a difference! We need to spark back tonight and get back on track. You have to believe in yourselves- We can believe in you... but it does nothing... unless you believe in yourself. WE BELIEVE IN YOU!!!

To Think You Can- is one thing! To Believe You Can- is something else- You think with your head and you believe with your heart! Give it all you got! Good Luck!

Quote for the Day:

Where there is passion and desire, success will always follow.

Piketon Shake Shoppe Player of the Week

Off to Westfall...

Everyone excited to start week 2 of the 2008 softball season? You gals are off to a wonderful start and have a lot to prove this week! I hope everyone took advantage of having a few days off at the end of the week- Rest is important! We need to keep our bodies healthy and ready to play!

About Westfall- It is a long ride! I am having pizza and snack for you after school- so you don't need to worry about getting anything! Bring money just incase we stop on the way home. Westfall is 3-1 to day- The only loss they have is Huntington! We need to be up beat and on top of our game today! I am excited and I hope that you are too!!!

Let's play some fastpitch!

Quote for the Day: "Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."

Work together! Bring Home a W!

A Couple Rainy Days!

A couple rainy days could do us some good! Rest-up and Do Your Homework!!! There are a lot of sick kids at school- stay away from them!!! We need to stay healthy!!! Remember- If the game for tonight is canceled- there will be NO practice! We will practice from 8-10 on Sat. Morning!!!

Go to WKKJ & and check out all the scores around the area!

Quote for the Day: "Practice as if you are the worst, perform as if you are the best"

1st Win in the SVC

YEAH! It feels good to get our first SVC win- Hopefully, it is just one of many more to come!!! I was glad to see that we came out fired up lastnight... much better than the night before!!! Much, Much, Much Better than the night before- We need to find that "fight" that is inside us! I see you feeling sorry for the team you beat, and you should not! You deserve to win by 10 runs, 15 runs, even 20 runs!!! You CANNOT feel sorry for the other team!

Tonight is our 1st road game-It is going to be rainy and cold! We need to Focus & bring home a win! I know you can do it! I have been watching the newspapers- it looks like a lot of teams in the SVC are winning games- Some of them by a lot of runs! We need to continue to improve, and stay level headed!!! I am so proud of you gals!!! Keep it up!!!

Game Balls: Holly Brabson- Scored 3 runs! Nicole Beattie had multiple hits & RBI's!

I love this: I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures. ~Earl Warren

Quote for the Day: The difference between the old ballplayer and the new ballplayer is the jersey. The old ballplayer cared about the name on the front. The new ballplayer cares about the name on the back. ~Steve Garvey

Piketon Downs Albany Alexander!

YIPPEE!!! We have our 2nd victory under our belt! (We won't mention the fact that we didn't play so well lastnight... but a Win is a Win is a Win!) We are headed in the write direction... we need to stay level headed and remember that we have a long way to go! We need to stick to basic fundamentals & have fun!!!

Here is the clip from Chillicothe Gazette:

Piketon 6, Albany Alexander 5

Shella Zimmerman tossed a no-hitter and Calli Vance had a hit, two stolen bases and a pair of runs as the Redstreaks got their second win Tuesday - a 6-5 win over Albany Alexander.
Alexander got its offense by virtue of eight walks and three errors on a windy evening in Pike County.
Now 2-0, Piketon will host Southeastern today.

Game Balls: Shella Zimmerman with the W. Shella & Hannah together through a NO Hitter!!! Calli did an awesome job behind the plate-but even better when she was up to the plate! Good Game Girls!

Anyone know anything about this? I got a special delivery today?!?! Thanks, They are beautiful- The card said: Let's Be first in teh SVC. Brings us home a Victory! Love, Your Varsity Team!!!

Quote for the Day: "Always hold your head up, but be careful to keep your nose at a friendly level."

1st W of the 2008 Season!

Whew... Doesn't it feel good to be off to a good start! I must say that I was totally impressed with your positive attitude, attention, and hustle. We need to continue to improve on our offensive game- we are making contact. we are hitting the ball, but we are hitting right into their gloves-

Calli did an awesome job catching lastnight- Kept the ball in front and did a great job holding the runners on- we can't say as much for your sliding attempt! hahaha. Hannah- pitched an awesome opening game! 14 strikes outs! Holly, Courtney, and Heather- did I nice job backing up the infield- We did not let one ball hit in the outfield, which is great! Shella & Nikole- Good job communicating on the coverage on 2nd- you did a nice job!

I am proud of you all! Let's get to it again tonight... don't come in feeling like you are going to win. Come in feeling like you are going to give 100% & do the best you can, in order to win! i have heard it said- the man who sets high on his horse-has a lot longer and harder fall! - We don't want that to happen! Be proud and play hard!

Quote of the day: Larry Bird Said: A winner is someone who recognizes her God-given talents, works her tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.

Piketon vs Eastern

Nice Work this weekend~ I know the weather wasn't the greatest- cold, windy, & wet... but you all gave 100%! I really appreciated all the hustle- Courtney and Holly made an awesome play in the out field... that was amazing/lucky- hahaha! We did a much better job getting the gloves down & holding the ball in... all the hard work is paying off thus far! Keep it up! It looks like lots of rain this week- Be sure to carry clothes and shoes for inside and outside practice- We need to get in as much preparation as possible!

Quote for the Day: Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision.
Muhammad Ali, American Boxer

You all have that "something" inside you... you just need someone to help you find it. Be Proud! Be Confident! Be a Champion!!!

PHS vs River Valley

Off for the first road game of the season... and it was a long drive! I must say that things went well- Our team looked orginized and proud walking into the dugout & jogging onto the field to stretch-out! I love to see you gals stepping up! Our batting looked much better lastnight! We had a lot of contact! (Aryn Harris is leading the team batting right now! Way to go Aryn!!!) The rest will come... with hardwork and effort. Hannah, Shella, and Holly did a great job throwing the ball! No BB's!!! And that is awesome! And.... I must say that Calli did an awesome job catching! I can only rememeber one passed ball- that takes a lot of effort!!!

Remember- We HAVE to stay positive! If you make a mistake, if you are pulled out of the game... Stay positive and Supportive! Everytime you are on the field, someone is on the bench- and they are/should be supporting you... in turn, you should support them when they get the chance to play! STAY POSITIVE~~Quote For The Day: My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.Elaine Maxwell

*That Gives Me Chill Bumps- Have Courage to shape your future!*

Community Softball/Baseball Game

April 26th will be our 1st Annual Community Softball/Baseball Game- We are doing a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society!!! Do your part as a member of the community- Help Strike Out Cancer- Hit it Hard! Come be apart of the fun!!! The first three innings will be softball and the last three innings will be baseball. We are hoping to have at least 9 members from the community to verse our varsity and reserve softball and baseball teams!!!

Assignment 1: Individual Goals!

A goal or objective consists of a projected state of affairs which a person or a system plans or intends to achieve or bring about - a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development. Many people endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines-
Assignment 1- What is you goal as an individual for this season:

1. My goal is to get SVC Player of the Year. This has been my dream since I have stepped on the field as a freshman. My other goals that I previously had, I accomplished. This is the only goal that I haven't finished. To achieve this goal I am going to have to push myself harder and farther than I have before.

2. My goals are to have a better attitude, to get better at batting, and improve my fielding skills.

3. My goal as an individual for this season would be to improve my fielding and throws. I would like to achieve timing the balls better.

4. My goal for the season is to improve my batting average and to become a better player overall.

5. I want to become a better 1st baseman. I want my batting average to be better than last year. I want to be a good leader for our team.

6. My personal goal for this season is to have a good attitude throughout the season and to make all league.

7. To block and hit better- To throw our Rachel Prohel- To step up and be a leader. Learn to spit sunflower seeds farther than 2 feet

8. Improve on- throws to 1st, batting average, getting the ball out of my glove faster

9. Be the best I can be. Get on base at least 80% of the time. Have the highest batting average.

I thought you gals did a good job on your personal goals- Remember hard work and lots of efforts will pay off in the end!!!

Get Your Game On...

Well girls... It is game time!

Tonight is our first scrimmage, and it is against a good team! This is our chance to start our season out the right way- with a W!

I was very happy with your performance and attention yesterday! I believe that if you continue to work as hard as you have... you will ALL reach your individual goals... and that we ALL will reach our team goals. I am going to post all of the ind. and team goals this week, so you can read them all! I thought you put a lot of thought into them & I appreciate that!!!

Let's Go Streaks!!!

Quote of the Day:
“To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are."--Muhammad Ali

Game Time (Almost)

Well.... Only five days until your 1st scrimmage. How are you feeling? On the 25th we will travel to Northwest- and we will be seeing a good team. This could be the beginning to an awesome season.... It is all up to you! We need to focus and apply ALL the abilities that we have- Teamwork, Fundamentals, Heart, Hussle, and Skill...

I am proud of the way you have worked this week- I know it doesn't feel like Softball Season when your inside, but preparation is a key to success! I can tell a HUGE difference in our physical fitness drills- You are much closer to being in shape!

Tiara Grider came up from JV this week- I have been impressed with her determination!

Nicole & Shella have been working together on turning double plays- Teamwork will take us far!!! I love to hear the two of you communicating with each other-

Calli- Awesome job calling pitches at practice last night! Putting pitches in the right spot will help you pitcher out a lot. Remember that you are a leader- The catcher can see almost everything... you have to keep your team motivated....

Same for you Miss Holly- Center Field has a great view of the field.... You can practice your cheering voice out there by being a team leader... your positive upbeat attitude will uplift your team, but at the same time it puts a load on your shoulders.... You must stay positive at all times and attempt keeping the team motivated!

Kacey has been doing a great job stretching out and scooping up bad balls! (which she shouldn't have to do!) We need your bat this year... Keep working on quick bat and putting your hips into it... & don't wear your heart on your sleave, because it might get dirty! Listen to what others say, and then use that to grow. You have to be strong and don't let things get to you- If you can learn to do this now... it will make the rest of your life a lot easier (trust me on that one!)

Aryn- I have noticed in the last few days that you are a good listener. You are always listening to criticism and improving from it.... that will get you far in life. Don't get upset when someone corrects you... that is just part of life in general! Just do your best and you will continue to get better-

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Fresh cut grass. dragged dirt, ring of a bat, a diving catch, a blocked ball, sweating, bleeding, diving into home. What is not to love?

Good Luck Ladies!

Just wanted to wish our softball players on the weightlifting team a big GOOD LUCK at state!

Just in case you didn't already know- PHS boys and girls won the State in weight lifting! I big congratulations to all the kids and Mr. Chester!!!

Quote for the day: Your thoughts are mere dreams, until you put them to practice

We Are Redstreaks! #1

Nice workout lastnight! I am glad to see that you actually listened to my long, boring, grown up speach!!! I FINALLY saw the heart that I knew you had... that is what it takes to win ball games! If you continue to push yourselves in the right direction (of course I will be right behind you pushing you harder than you would like!) we have the ability to win the SVC and go places in the tournaments...
I am proud of your hardwork and effort at this point!

Kacey & Lacey's efforts really stood out- When you don't feel good and still give 100%- that shows heart. Hannah, Holly, and Pack- I really enjoy the belly dives- Especially the ones inside- The hussle and heart will get you far! Shella and Aryn- I have seen much improvements in your batting since we started- Keep it up! I really can't complain about anyone- but remember... always give 100% there are other talented players that would love to have your Varsity spot!

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE- I think most of you got a new copy of the schedule, if not:
The Peebles games that was on April 26th is nowMay 8th for JV and Varsity!!!

Quote for the day: (this is one of my favorites)- From Jesse Owens, who was a famous track and field 4 time Gold Medalist - “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”

Keep It Up...

I must say that I am very proud of you gals!
Everyone worked hard today & I really appreciate
your hard work... it will pay off soon!
Kacey did a great job at first base today-
Very few balls got past her... she gave 100%-
My pitchers and catchers get a big pat on the back
for coming in a little early to get their pitches in...
Aryn did a nice job at third... working on bunt coverage and
run down situations... I could go on, but it is almost bed time! I am proud
of you guys and hope you continue to apply yourselves, as you have been!

Courtney... I must agree with you that the overall Attitude of our team
is very POSITIVE... Let's keep it that way, and this season will be lots of fun!

Quote for the day:
work a little harder... go a little further...
earn a W... instead of taking an L

And... We're Off!

First day of "practice" starts today!!!

We have a lot to work on before our first

scrimmage- Which is March 21st for JV and Varsity!

ONLY 11 DAYs!

*Remember- The teams are split now... This is your chance to shine!

Just because you start out on one team, DOES NOT... mean you will stay

there! Aways give 100%!!!

Quote for the day:You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.
- Plato

the weather outside is... delightful!

How exciting, to have such a nice warm day to work outside!!!

I was very excited to see some new faces today- Our team/family is coming together...

If I had to choose a strong point... I think it would be EFFORT- I like to see hustle and heart on the field!!! I realize that all the conditioning isn't exactly what you look foward to, BUT it makes you stronger players, which makes us a stronger team!

The coaches were standing around after practice today... and we were talking about "who" we noticed- Who stood out to you? Who do you think gave 150%? When you think we aren't watching you... we really are!!! We have a great chance at a winning season... but it will take hard work and effort... which we have seen this far! I am EXCITED! I want you to be EXCITED!

Seniors- I was in your shoes about 6 years ago- I remember that "I can't wait to graduate!!!" feeling that burnt inside of me for 4 long years of high school. The good thing is... it's not over yet. You have the rest of you life to work... Enjoy this last season of softball...

In a few years, I PROMISE... you will look back and wish you would have tried just a little harder... or studied just a few more minutes... Learn from the mistakes we have all made- you can't fix the past- what's done is done- BUT... you can change the future- I coached you guys as freshman, and I cannot believe how much you have grown up and improved- You girls are special to me, and I hope you will give me, as your coach... everything you have for the next 3 months! I will always be here for you... anytime... (between 8-10 hahaha)

I would LOVE to hear more encouraging words and uplifting from you all! I always say, "Help each other out!" Tell someone when they are doing a good job or working hard- Everyone loves to be complimented! "Good Hustle!"- "Nice Try!" - " Keep it up!"... I think you might get the point!

Less than 20 days before our first scrimmage... We have a lot of work to do...

Quote for the Day:

It isn't the hours you put in...
It is what you put in to the hours!

Saturday Morning Practices...

I know it is hard to get out of bed.. but I was impressed to see all those smiling faces- and the hard work and effort that you put out-

My Dad (lol) did not break his wrist- he went home and iced it for a while- and then to Adena for some xrays... not broken!!!

holly... I gave you a hard time about

getting up and putting on make-up

before practice... just glad it wasn't this

much-hahaha

Quote for the day: Softball is for everyone. Fast-pitch is for athletes.

Softball Articles-

I must start by saying- That you girls have really impressed me this week!
I have seen a lot of really good things... hard work, effort, positive attitude- and those are all great things that will help form a strong team- I want you all to know that all of our coaches are watching and critiquing your efforts- Always give 100%!!!


We really appreciate the hard work & hussle...
Keep it up and we will soon be on our way to a softball season filled with fun and W's!!! I am proud of you guys!!!

Just a few links to some of the articles I have read this week-

8 Ways to Help your Team

College Tips for Softball Players

Link to Another Fastpitch Coach's Blog

Fast Pitch Forever Magazine

Quote for the day: Good Better Best, never let it rest, til' your good is better and your better is best.

If you don't play fast-pitch, don't say you play softball.

I thought I would start this blog for my girls-
as a chance to chat about practice, games, and softball in general.

This is my first year of coaching at the varsity softball... and I must say that
I was very lucky to receive a talented group of girls with great attitudes (to this point)!
I am looking foward to practicing as a team...
So much to look foward to!!!

Quote for today:

" It's not how good you are. It's how bad you want it."